Chapter 67 Part 1: Yongning
Sorry for missing Sunday’s update >.<. This is somehow a particularly trying and annoying chapter to translate…
Just as Meng You De had thought, Jiang Li’s exam paper was indeed pa.s.sed into the palace.
A young man walked out from the imperial study room. Eunuch Su, who was in front of the door, bowed and sent him out. He lamented as he looked at the departing back. Just a little over 20 years old, he crawled into this position in a period of one year. It was really smooth sailing, the younger generations would surpa.s.s in the years to come.
This young man was no one else but the current a.s.sistant minister*, Shen Yurong. Emperor Hong Xiao was extremely fond of Shen Yurong at the moment and often discussed the present situation with him. So much so that someone said Emperor Hong Xiao intended to enter Shen Yurong into the cabinet to be the future chief a.s.sistant, fostering him to be Jiang Yuan Bai’s successor.
[T/L Note: Initially his post was translated as an officer in the Ministry of Rites, my apology, the proper one would be a secretariat officer/a.s.sistant minister, dealing with affairs of the state. Yep, same division as Jiang Yuan Bai]
n.o.body could say for certain about future matters, but it didn’t hinder anyone to curry favor with him at present.
When Shen Yurong pa.s.sed through the imperial garden on his way outside, he met a person in the long hallway.
Princess Yongning was taking a rest in front of a stone table in the garden. Upon seeing him, she immediately showed a charming smile: “Master Shen.”
It was summertime, the trees in the imperial garden were dense and the wind was cool. The golden lines sprinkling through the gaps between the leaves happened to illuminate half of her cheek. After all she’s honorable and beautiful, the skin was like the first-rate sheep fat jade, making people want to touch.
Obviously her eyebrows were raised and appearance was haughty, but her small meaningful gestures were tender and her greeting was dignified and courteous.
Shen Yurong cupped his hands in obeisance: “Your highness.”
“You just came out from imperial older brother’s place, what were you talking about?” Princess Yongning held a thin muslin fan and lightly shook it. Her lips that were applied with crimson mouth fat looked moist and plump, tender and alluring.
Shen Yurong moved his sight away and said: “You Majesty heard the examination’s red notice has come out. Your Majesty discussed the matter of the two families that occupied the top positions in the Imperial College and Ming Yi Hall’ list with this official.”
“Oh?” Princess Yongning looked at him with astonishment, her tone carrying a natural and captivating coquettishness she said: “This princess has heard about this matter as well. Heard that Ming Yi Hall’s top position was occupied by the Jiang family’s Jiang second miss. She was expelled from the Jiang family that year and stayed in the nunnery for eight years. This time she has just returned for less than a month, joined Ming Yi Hall for only ten days. But this time she seized the top position.” She smiled sweetly, “It showed that she is indeed a talented girl and heard that her handwriting is good. This princess hasn’t seen it with her own eyes, what does Master Shen think?”
Shen Yurong was startled, then lowered his head and said: “This official hasn’t seen it either.”
“Hmm,” Princess Yongning laughed softly, “so it was for this matter. At first, this palace thought Master Shen must have gone to see, but unexpectedly Master Shen is actually not so interested. Perhaps Master Shen is already used to seeing talented girls and is more fond of women with red lip rouge?” In the last sentence, frivolous seduction was contained in the words.
Shen Yurong took a step back and said: “Princess, speak cautiously.”
“Look at how scared you are.” A trace of annoyance flashed in Princess Yongning’s pupils but quickly disappeared. She said with a blaming tone: “My people are guarding outside, no one will be able to hear what we are talking about. Haven’t seen you these days, do you miss me?”
Became even more wanton.
Shen Yurong lowered his head slightly, nodded invisibly.
It was precisely this light nod that immediately made Princess Yongning beaming with happiness. She even reached her hand out and caressed Shen Yurong’s hand. While smiling she said: “I know you miss me too. However, recently there were too many trifling things, it’s not good for me to look for you. Tomorrow is Ming Yi Hall’s three tests, why don’t the both of us go and watch them together. After it’s over…….” her voice faded ambiguously.
Shen Yurong let her pull his hand and his expression eased a bit. He spoke softly: “Princess…….”