Chapter 170
**Chapter 170: A Concubine?**
Sun Qingmei quickly stood up, her delicate brows and bright eyes unable to hide her joy. “Really?”
The steward of the marquis's residence nodded. “The marquis has returned to the capital and, according to custom, will first pay his respects to His Majesty in the palace. After that, he and General Zhao will return to the residence together.”
Sun Qingmei's face lit up with a radiant smile, her heart racing.
She and Shangguan Xuan had grown up together, like childhood sweethearts. On their wedding night, Shangguan Xuan was ordered to the border to quell the unrest. Before he left, he had reminded her, “My lady, the journey ahead is long, and I do not know when I will return. You must take good care of our family in my absence.”
After Shangguan Xuan departed, Sun Qingmei kept his words close to her heart, shouldering the heavy responsibilities of the marquis's residence with her frail frame. She felt she had not let him down.
Suppressing her excitement, she instructed the steward, “Send someone to change all the bedding in the main house. Have the kitchen buy some fresh clams from the market to prepare the marquis's favorite dish, clam stew. Oh, and General Zhao will be coming to the residence as well?”
The steward replied, “Yes. General Zhao has contributed greatly in the fight against the bandits from the Yue Kingdom. His Majesty has summoned him back to the capital, likely to reward him.”
Sun Qingmei had heard of General Zhao's reputation. It was said that he came from humble beginnings and was quite skilled in weapon-making.
She then instructed the steward, “Take two maids and tidy up the Danfeng Courtyard on the east side. When General Zhao arrives, we can arrange for him to stay there. Also, assign two clever maids to attend to him; we must not neglect our hospitality.”
The steward nodded and hurried off to carry out her orders.
After finishing her red date and snow frog soup, Shen Wei intended to take her leave. However, upon hearing the mention of “General Zhao,” alarm bells rang in her mind.
Was General Zhao a friend or foe, possibly another traveler like herself? Shen Wei was determined to find out.
Using the excuse of “admiring the flowers,” Shen Wei lingered in the marquis's residence for another hour, patiently waiting for General Zhao's appearance.
...
...
In the solemn and imposing Chang'an Palace of the Da Qing Dynasty, the frail emperor received the returning Marquis of Zhen Nan, Shangguan Xuan, and General Zhao Qing.
The old Marquis of Zhen Nan was too weak to rise from his bed, unable to take in nourishment. Shangguan Xuan inherited his father's title and military achievements, becoming the new Marquis of Zhen Nan.
“Cough, cough, cough...”
A harsh cough echoed through the chamber. The elderly eunuch attending the emperor hurriedly brought over a bowl of ginseng soup, and the emperor took a few shallow sips. His hair was graying, and he appeared frail. His aged gaze shifted to Zhao Qing, who was kneeling on the floor.
After a long pause, the emperor sighed, “You have merit; dressing as a man is not a crime. I appoint you as the Princess of Pingyang, with court provisions—rise, do not kneel.”
Zhao Qing bowed her head, trembling as she thanked him, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
A smile of joy crept onto Zhao Qing's lips.
Dressing as a man to serve as a military strategist could be seen as deceiving the emperor. Yet, she had just confessed her true identity, and the emperor had not only forgiven her but also granted her a title.
It was indeed a meteoric rise.
The emperor coughed again and turned to Shangguan Xuan. “It’s getting late. You should return home and see your wife. I imagine she misses you.”
The entire capital knew that on his wedding night, Shangguan Xuan had gone off to war, leaving his wife alone in their empty home. Sun Qingmei was known for her capable management of the household, maintaining order in the marquis's residence.
The emperor was a reasonable man and did not wish to delay the reunion of the young couple.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Qing felt a pang of grievance. Shangguan Xuan knelt on one knee, clasped his hands, and declared firmly, “Your Majesty! General Zhao has fought alongside me, strategizing in battle. We have already formed a deep bond. I ask for your permission to marry Zhao Qing as my primary wife! As for Sun Qingmei, she may be my esteemed concubine, and I will ensure her a life of wealth and comfort.”
At these words, the Chang'an Palace fell into a stunned silence.
The emperor was taken aback, and the head eunuch attending him wore a complex expression.
The emperor scolded, “Absurd!”
Sun Qingmei came from a military family; her father had died in battle, and her brother had also passed away on the way to the capital. The Sun family had only her left, and the emperor had granted this marriage out of gratitude for their contributions.
Now, Shangguan Xuan wanted to take another woman as his primary wife?
Shangguan Xuan knelt lower, banging his head on the ground three times. “I beg Your Majesty for mercy!”
The emperor, furious, took two more sips of ginseng soup.
Seeing Shangguan Xuan's earnest expression, Zhao Qing felt a surge of emotion. She too knelt, pulling out a scroll from her sleeve. “Your Majesty, this is a design for a weapon I have created, called the ‘Composite Bow.’ It is easy to use and deadly, allowing even a woman with no strength to draw it. I wish to present this weapon to Your Majesty in exchange for this marriage.”
The emperor's brow furrowed slightly as he instructed the eunuch to retrieve the scroll.
In his youth, the emperor had also fought on the battlefield and was experienced. He quickly scanned the design of the “Composite Bow” and was quite surprised.
Such a unique bow and arrow?
Shangguan Xuan's lips curled into a smile as he looked affectionately at Zhao Qing beside him. She was the woman he loved deeply—gifted, intelligent, and brave, far surpassing the delicate daughters of the capital.
After a moment of silence, the emperor carefully put away the scroll.
His voice calm, he said, “Zhao Qing’s offering of the design is a significant contribution. However, Shangguan Xuan, Sun Qingmei has managed the marquis's residence for you, and her efforts should not be overlooked. If you truly wish to marry Zhao Qing, I can grant her the title of primary wife.”
Shangguan Xuan grew anxious. “Your Majesty! A Qing is my only wife; how can she be a concubine?”
The emperor, clearly weary, waved his hand dismissively. “I am tired. Everyone, leave. The decree for her title as primary wife will be sent to the marquis's residence in a few days.”
Grinding his teeth, Shangguan Xuan dared not defy the emperor and could only leave the Chang'an Palace with Zhao Qing.
As noon approached, the early winter sun shone warmly, dispelling the coldness of the palace. The emperor continued to cough, feeling a sharp pain in his throat, and spat out a mouthful of dark, foul blood.
“Your Majesty!” The elderly eunuch was startled and quickly called out, “Summon the imperial physician!”
The emperor raised his hand, his gaze falling on the scroll of weapon designs on the table. He instructed the eunuch, “Bring the Prince of Yan into the palace.”
...
...
The marquis's carriage rolled through the bustling streets of Yanjing. Zhao Qing sat inside, lifting the curtain to curiously observe the vibrant scenery outside.
Vendors shouted their wares, dazzling goods were on display, and the crowds bustled with life in the prosperous capital. The women walking along the streets were all dressed beautifully, their skin like jade, exuding a faint fragrance.
The border town of Liangzhou, constantly battered by wind and sand, had never seen such liveliness. Zhao Qing felt a surge of excitement; she clenched her sleeves tightly, determined to stay in this wealthy Yanjing!
“Ah Qing, come try this. It’s the crabapple pastry from Wei Yan Ji.” Shangguan Xuan opened a delicate food box. This was a pastry he had sent his attendants to buy, popular in Yanjing, loved by many women.
The crabapple pastry resembled blooming red crabapple flowers. It was not only beautiful but also crispy and sweet.
Zhao Qing took a bite, her eyes lighting up with delight. “Delicious!”
Shangguan Xuan smiled indulgently. “As long as you like it, I’ll have someone bring it to you every day. I’ve also heard there’s a rouge shop in Yanjing that sells a rare powder that can enhance one’s beauty. I’ll have someone buy it for you tomorrow.”
A blush crept onto Zhao Qing’s cheeks. “Marquis, you’re so kind to me.”
Shangguan Xuan took her hand gently, saying softly, “You’ve endured so much hardship with me in Liangzhou. I cannot let you down. Don’t worry, I won’t let you be a concubine.”
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