Chapter 9- A Little Slap in the Face (not revised)
Another month went by. Qiu Chen's morning sickenss and nausea was almost under control. But his mood swings were not. He developed another habit, which was to trying strange foods. The doctors in ancient era were not much knowledgable in this area, but Qiu Chen himself knew. It was just some pregnancy craving.
This afternoon Qiu Chen was craving for some fried chicken dipped in vanilla ice cream. It was pretty normal that he couldn't get these. But he made the chef make some fried chicken with his own reciepe. He had to say, it was not that bad. Doctor Qi tried his best to restrain him from eating the 'evil' chicken but failed.
So, when Zhao Yichen came, he saw his Wangfei eating something new with relish and the doctor standing not far away looking like he swallowed a fly. He actually got used to coming back to this kind of scene everyday. He walked towards the couch and sat beside Qiu Chen.
"I submitted the reports about the Provincial Government to Father-Emperor through Minister Sun. If nothing goes wrong I will be sent to deal with it within one week or two." Speaking to this point Zhao Yichen stopped. He noticed the change in Qiu Chen's face. The little man was really disappointed. He did not like to be away from him. But he had to go. He also could not bring him with him because of his physical situation. Zhao Yichen spread his hand. Qiu Chen silently went in the warm embrace.
"Don't be sad. I will come back within the blink of an eye," Zhao Yichen tried to coax his wife.
"You go quickly. And come back quickly. So you won't have to again." Qiu Chen paused for while. He looked really reluctant, "But without you here, it will be really boring." Qiu Chen forgot how it felt like when this man was not by his side. "Will you write to me regularly?"
Zhao Yichen looked at the person in his arms. The person had big expressive eyes which were now watery, beads of tears looked like they would fall without a moment's notice. He tried to wipe the tears that had not yet fallen, "There is still time to accompany you. And I will write regularly. By the way, I don't think you will get bored."
Qiu Chen looked at Zhao Yichen in askance. "Father-Emperor asked Eldest sister to come to the capital. She will come to accompany you while I am away."
The Grand Princess of Great Zhao, Zhao YiQing, was the only daughter left behind by the former first Empress. She died at childbirth like fang QingYuan. But unlike Fang QingYuan who died because of not having proper care, the First Empress had a weak physic since childhood. Despite the life and death pursuit of the imperial doctors she left the world after she gave birth to Zhao Yiqing. Zhao Yiqing was declared the Grand Princess upon birth. She was not assigned to any concubine to be taken care of. Even when the present empress was selected and the princess was asked to go to her, the princess refused. She was only two years old at that time, but no one could make her do what she did not want to. Later when Gui Fei entered the palace and went to meet the nation's Grand Princess, the tough and stubborn princess started following her. So, among all the royal siblings, she was closest to Zhao Yichen. She was married to Yan Nijue, the general positioned in the north. A few years back when the General came back victoriously from war, she fell in love with him. The Emperor never stopped her from doing anything. So she just married the man and went to live at the borders.
"The Grand Princess is coming back?" Qiu Chen asked. This is his first time meeting a sister of his husband. He never had a mother-in-law, and his father-in-laws in both worlds were pretty good. But, to be honest, he was really afraid of meeting a sister-in-law, especially one that cares about his husband.
Zhao Yichen patted his back to relax him, "Don't be so tensed. She will like you. I guess you two will hit it off. She has always been a little stubborn and mischievous, just like you." But Qiu Chen still could not rest assured.
A week passed by really quick. The Grand Princess returned to the capital. She was travelling alone this time, without her husband accompanying her. The Emperor held a banquet to welcome her. All the noble families were invited.
The night before the banquet Qiu Chen and Zhao Yichen went to the palace after nightfall with the special permission from the Emperor. The Emperor didn't really want Qiu Chen to enter the palace under the daylight. He did not want anything about Qiu Chen to enter the Empress's ears. He was really looking forward to this grandchild. Though the Grand Princess had a son, he could not see his grandson that often. This child would be the first grandson of his to live near him. He did not want to take any risk.
The Grand Princess was arranged to live in the First Empress's palace. When Qiu Chen and Zhao Yichen arrived they were taken directly to the princess. Qiu Chen saw the princess reading a scroll half lying on the couch leisurely. She was wearing a purple robe which was slightly buldged around her lower belly. After getting pregnant, Qiu Chen got more observant about certain matters. He could easily understand the situation. But looking at someone was impolite, this was even the Grand Princess!
The maid waiting at the door announced the arrival of the couple. Seeing Zhao Yiqing looking up Qiu Chen proceeded to salute her.
"This concubine has seen the Grand Princess."
"Eldest Sister," Zhao Yichen also greeted the princess.
Zhao Yiqing looked at Qiu Chen with interest. So her brother had married a little bunny? He saw Qiu Chen getting all nervous meeting her. She hid the playful smile in her eyes and told the couple to take seats. After Zhao Yichen and Qiu Chen sat down, she talked again.
"You are two months in, right?" Zhao YIqing's voice was domineering.
Qiu Chen was getting more nervous, "To return to the Grand Princess, yes. This concubine is two month's pregnant."
Zhao Yichen shook his head in helplessness. He held Qiu Chen's hand using the table as a shield from others' eyes. "He's pregnant. Stop scaring him!" he told Zhao Yiqing. His tone was like getting along with a sibling in a normal household, nothing royal at all.
Qiu Chen looked up at him in surprise. Then he heard a unrestrained laughter coming from the princess. He was even more astonished. He looked between Zhao Yiqing and Zhao Yichen in confusion.
"Okay, okay!" Zhao Yiqing spoke between her laughter, "You became a henpecked husband, can't even tolerate your sister joking with your wife."
"More henpecked than brother-in-law? I think I can never be!" Zhao Yichen retorted back. "I will be gone in a few days. You have to look after him. He is already in that woman's bad book."
This is the first time Qiu Chen saw Zhao Yichen talk to someone so freely. Even with him, he was somewhat restrained. Actually, he could feel that Zhao Yichen was extra cautious with him.
Zhao Yiqing looked at Qiu Chen wanting to talk to him but saw him looking at her brother. She did not know the nature of the boy. Her father must not have arranged a fluent efficient lamp to marry Zhao Yichen. This boy must accumulate certain amount of ability. But she could tell that Qiu Chen himself did not know how lingering his eyes were at the moment looking at his husband. She cleared her throat.
"Ruzhen can call me Eldest sister like A-Chen. You don't need to be so careful with me. Do you know Father-Emperor talked about you all afternoon? Sigh, I am no longer the favourite child," Zhao Yiqing talked in a dramatic tone.
Qiu Chen gathered some courage listening to her, "May Ruzhen ask Eldest Sister how many months is the child?"
"Look! He asked me about my child! You heartless brother, did not even ask if I am fine or not!" Zhao Yiqing scolded Zhao Yichen again without even replying to Qiu Chen.
"I have commonsense. This palace would have been shattered into pieces if you were not alright," the two siblings literally fought which was really unlikely of royal children.
Though none of the talked to Qiu Chen, he did not feel left out. They left the palace after dinner. By the time they left Qiu Chen got to know something about the princess's situation. She was four month's pregnant. She came to capital for this purpose. Her husband and eldest son, who is currently seven years old, did not follow her. She would be here until her child is born and safe to travel.
Next morning, Qiu Chen woke up at noon. He did not know why after coming back from the Princess's, he felt both tired and comfortable. He did not even feel it when Zhao Yichen left in the morning and came back later. He just vaguely remembered that he should be spoon fed some porridge in ther morning. The only person who would dare to that in the mansion was Zhao Yichen. It meant that the man is currently in the mansion. Sure enough, after a few minutes Zhao Yichen came back to the room.
"Woke up? Come and get fresh," Zhao Yichen helped the sluggish Qiu Chen sit up from his lying position. After he helped him wash, they had their lunch.
The banquet was in the evening. So after lunch they started preparing. Qiu Chen did not like dressing up in ancient make up. But the banquet was in the honor of the Grand Princess. So he had to dress up a little bit. He wore a tarquiose hanfu with golden flowers pattern on it. His hair was tied up in a half bun. A gold hairpin with a carefully carved emerald in it was inserted in the bun. A jade waist belt with a bit of gold only to make it easier to bend hugged his waist. Xiao Li knew that her Wangfei did not like wearing make up. So she applied only a little bit of rose lipstick on Qiu Chen's already pink lips.
After getting ready Qiu Chen got out of the room. He saw the man waiting for him. Zhao Yichen wore a dark purple robe for the princes. He looked at the person who never liked to dress up standing all dressed up in front of him. It was not like he prepared himself deliberately, but he looked so beautiful that it became hard for Zhao Yichen to show him in front of other people.
Qiu Chen silently enjoyed the attention from his man. He walked up to him. Zhao Yichen calmed his heart down with great difficulty. He took the person's hand and led him to the carriage. This time he did not take the horse and also entered the carriage.
When they arrived at the palace, many families were already there. People from the Song family were also there. Song Yutong was chatting with some young ladies from some major noble families of the capital. She saw the carriage stop and a very handsome man coming down from it. She never saw the Fourth Prince, so she naturally did not know who it was. She saw the handsome man extending his well proportioned hand to the carriage. A fair hand came to the sghit and held onto the man's hand firmly. Song Yuxuan was just regretting that the man already got someone, but then she saw who it was. Song Ruzhen?
After getting down from the carriage Zhao Yichen and Qiu Chen went to greet the Grand Princess. Through the whole process they were very formal, the homely behavior from last night was nowhere to be seen. Qiu Chen sat with the wives and young misses from the noble families while Zhao Yichen went socialize with the ministers and generals.
Qiu Chen sat there quietly, not interacting with anyone. Most of the people here had already boarded on the Second Prince's faction. He dispised to interact with them. But him not showing any interest disn't meant no one was interested in him. They saw the abandoned son of the Song Jia walking side by side with the Fourth Prince. The boy was fair and gentle, with least bit of jewelry and make up on his body, he stood aprt from others. Although they did not want to agree, he looked like a perfect match with the fourth prince.
Qiu Chen was feeling sluggish due to his pregnancy. He was about to lean on the side of the chair he was sitting in. Someone spoke in a slight loud voice.
"Third Young Master Song is so talented. I heard that no one in this country can top his talent in Qin playing. Why not let him entertain us with some melody?" it was Madame Sun who spoke. It was sure that he was trying to flatter Song Yuxuan deliberately.
Qiu Chen raised one brow. Wasn't Minister Sun in Zhao Yichen's faction? Why is his wife trying to flatter Song Yuxuan? He searched for information in the system panel, and soon got the answer. The ger son of Minister Sun liked Song Yuhan. Sun Xing, being the only ger in the family, was quite spoiled. When he fell in love with Song Yuhan, Minister Sun had no way but to agree with them. Thus the Second Prince bagged another capable minister.
Qiu Chen looked up. Sun Xing was sitting beside Madame Sun. To Qiu Chen he did not look like a love struck fool. He took back his attention to Song Yuxuan who with a slight nod from Zhao Yiqing sat at the Qin prepared in the room. He started playing in aquite dignified way. Qiu Chen had to agree that he was quite talented in Qin playing.
Song Yuxuan finished playing. He got up and saluted Zhao Yiqing.
"Song Gongzi is quite a talent," Zhao Yiqing spoke, "How did he know I loved this piece since I was a child?"
"The Grand Princess is a living legend in the backyard of the palace. Her Majesty has been mentioning you ever since I got to know her personally. She asked to present this piece in front of you if I ever got the chance, "Song Yuxuan replied quite humbly.
"My Thrid Brother has practiced day and night to perform this! He, unlike some people who only got pretty faces, works hard to achieve perfectio." It was Song Yutong who spoke. She was quite proud of her third brother, and belittled Qiu Chen on the way.
"Xiao Tong! Don't speak rudely. You are a lady. Try to remember that. Apologize to the Grand Princess," Song Yuxuan reprimanded Song Yutong. But anyone could see the pampering hidden behind those words.
"Praying the Grand Princess for forgiveness, this little one was rude just now," Song Yutong said what she was asked to say.
Zhao Yiqing did not speak. She was looking at the acting pair of siblings with no warmth in her eyes. She was not in the capital only for a few years and some clowns thought they could jump in front of her make her their puppets. She sneered in her heart.
"This Young Miss is really capable. You are quite proud of your brother, I like that," Zhao Yiqing spoke slowly.
Song Yutong's face lit up, but then she heard Zhao Yiqing's next words, "But insulting others while praising your brother, the Song Family is quite capable of teaching children." Song Yutong's face paled. But Zhao Yiqing was not done yet.
"Some people are just pretty faces? Let's see who is the prettiest here. Song Ruzhen is the prettiest, don't you all agree?" When the Grand Princess said this, who could dare disagree! "Let him come and play a piece for this Princess."
Qiu Chen got shot lying down. It's not that he could not do it, in last world he learnt how to play Qin to surprise Qu Yi on his birthday. But he didn't like it. Qiu Chen got up and thanked the Grand Princess for her kindness. He sat at the table and started playing. He mastered only two or three songs in his last life. But the one he practiced the best, was Mozart's Symphony 40. Because it was really tough, he saw this as a challenge, and finally mastered it.
Qiu Chen started playing the melody. The nature of this piece is that it will make one wanting to sway with each strike of the strings. By the time the song ended, the crowd stayed speechless. They all knew about the third son of the Song's but never actually paid any attention to second one.
"This song is pretty good. It just lightened up this Princess's mood. Where have you learned it?" Zhao Yiqing spoke excitedly.
The Song siblings face turned black as charcoal. A few moments ago the Grand Princess was so luke warm with them. But now she seems really interested in that good for nothing.
"To return to the Grand Princess, it is a song from faraway lands. This concubine just learnt it on a whim." Qiu Chen answered truthfully.
"You are quite humble. Some people should learn humbleness," Zhao Yiqing side eyed the Song Siblings. "And have I not asked you to call me Eldest Sister? Are you not listening to my commands?" She pretended to scold Qiu Chen.
"Eldest Sister," Qiu Chen called obediently.
"You will come to my place tomorrow moring to accompany me. I am quite lonely here." Zhao Yiqing spoke softly to Qiu Chen which was unbelievable to the people who knew her.
After the Princess left, the ladies came up to Qiu Chen to flatter him. He was quite unused to this. He was trying to find a opportunity to escape. At this time a beautiful ger walked up to him.