Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 21

The next day, He Lang was quite troubled to find the prince unexpectedly in his room. It was rather serious to leave the bride unattended and face the consequences.

Sure enough, the new bride, Jiang Yuqing, soon stormed into He Lang’s residence. He was surprised to learn that Jiang Yuqing was not a gentle, composed, or virtuous person, so he approached her with caution.

She was supported by two maids, dressed in a luxurious gown. Her jade-like face and finely sculpted features exuded natural beauty and pride. Clearly spoiled, she came in with an unpleasant tone, asking where the prince was.

After the previous day’s festivities, Zhen Puyang had rested well in He Lang’s room and had yet to rise. He Lang informed her of this, which angered Jiang Yuqing. She had been warned by Consort Lin to be cautious, and now on the wedding day, the prince and He Lang seemed to disregard her, staying in bed even late in the day.

Mistaking He Lang’s explanation as a provocation, Jiang Yuqing, with her beautiful but angry face, accused him of improper conduct, suggesting he might disgrace the royal family.

He Lang was confused by the sudden accusation. Jiang Yuqing’s words made her seem like a jester, but she was furious that He Lang didn’t acknowledge her status.

She tried to escalate the situation, making herself appear like a victim, with tearful eyes, and accused He Lang of improper behavior. Zhen Puyang immediately realized her intention to accuse He Lang of improper conduct. Regardless of the truth, he was enraged, thinking that if He Lang had been with this woman, it must have been due to her advances.

Seeing Zhen Puyang’s dark and angry expression, Jiang Yuqing was secretly pleased. She had managed to create a rift between Zhen Puyang and He Lang, achieving her goal.

She further incited Zhen Puyang, saying, “Don’t be fooled by Lord He’s appearance; he is actually—”

Before she could finish her lament, Zhen Puyang slapped her hard, causing her to fall to the ground. He glared at her and shouted, “Enough!”

Jiang Yuqing, the daughter of the Marshal, was too important for Zhen Puyang to allow such behavior. Despite her audacity, he felt compelled to act even against the daughter of the Marshal.

He Lang, also tense, was not worried about Jiang Yuqing’s accusations but feared that Zhen Puyang might act impulsively against her.

Zhen Puyang’s intention was to use the marriage to gain the Marshal’s support. Given Jiang Yuqing’s behavior, he feared that if he acted against her, it would antagonize the Marshal and damage their relationship.

After much anger, Zhen Puyang reluctantly instructed his servants to take care of Jiang Yuqing at home and specifically ordered that she should not leave the residence to avoid complaints to the Marshal.

Once everyone was cleared out, Zhen Puyang tried to calm down and negotiate with He Lang. “If you dine with me tonight, I will let her go.”

“Fine,” He Lang agreed, thinking it was not a big deal.

Seeing He Lang’s concession, Zhen Puyang pushed further, “What about tomorrow? And the day after tomorrow?”

He Lang knew Zhen Puyang was being deliberately difficult, so he chose to ignore him and closed his eyes to rest.

Zhen Puyang watched He Lang’s calm face and the slightly reddened lips, admiring him with a sense of longing. He thought that seeing this person could be enough to make him defy his mother and leave behind his wife.

As Zhen Puyang continued to be impatient and somewhat mischievous, He Lang remained indifferent. Zhen Puyang’s voice softened, almost pleading, “Hmm? Just say a word for me, sir.”

The steward standing by the door looked anxious, wanting to remind them of a guest’s arrival but dared not interrupt. He only reported from outside the door.

He Lang opened his eyes, pushed Zhen Puyang aside, and said with a formal tone, “There is an important guest. Please come down quickly.”

The guest was Minister Fu, whom He Lang had specifically invited. He had reviewed official appointments and found that Minister Fu was reliable. Even with the emperor ill and ministers restless, Fu remained calm. Since He Lang had good relations with him and knew he had a fondness for fine wine, he invited him over, knowing Fu would come.

Upon hearing the footsteps, He Lang greeted Minister Fu with a bright smile, ignoring Zhen Puyang’s displeased reaction. 

“Brother Fu, I have been waiting for you.”

He Lang, though of a higher rank, still referred to himself as “younger brother,” which naturally earned him favor from Minister Fu. Even though Fu knew He Lang’s intentions were related to sensitive topics, he chose to continue their interaction.

As they drank fine wine together, Minister Fu was somewhat swayed but did not express his thoughts clearly, possibly due to Zhen Puyang’s presence, which made it difficult for him to relax.

He Lang, understanding that he should not rush things, changed the subject to more casual topics, which helped Minister Fu relax.

After a few glasses, Fu, slightly tipsy, asked, “The Grand Tutor He has been past the age of twenty for some time but remains unmarried. May I ask if you have any intentions of marrying?”

He Lang was momentarily stunned by this sudden question but answered honestly, “None.”

Zhen Puyang, who had been unwilling to leave and was only half-listening while drinking and looking at the paintings, now perked up, sarcastically wondering which young lady in the capital would dare to pursue his teacher.

Upon hearing He Lang’s answer, Minister Fu’s once-cloudy eyes suddenly brightened. He raised his glass and said diplomatically, “My daughter has just turned sixteen. Ever since the last poetry gathering, she has admired you greatly—”

This was apparently one of the reasons Fu had come.

He Lang instinctively glanced at Zhen Puyang, fearing he might get angry. If his temper was triggered, it could be problematic.

However, Zhen Puyang seemed calm, sitting quietly and listening without interfering.

He Lang breathed a sigh of relief and continued the conversation.

“I’m merely a novice and not worthy of your esteemed daughter’s admiration.”

Despite this, He Lang thought that if he could win over the minister, it would be worth it. His ultimate goal was to help Zhen Puyang gain power, and he didn’t want to miss any opportunity on this path. Life offers only one chance, and he wanted to seize every possibility.

Minister Fu, though slightly regretful, responded, “Not at all. The Grand Tutor He is a distinguished official, young and talented. It is my daughter who is not worthy.” They clinked glasses.

He Lang didn’t know how to reply but just smiled faintly, maintaining a polite but ambiguous attitude.

The conversation was interrupted by the loud crash of a porcelain cup. Zhen Puyang had accidentally dropped his teacup.

“No harm done?” He Lang, anxious, stepped forward and instructed the servants to clean up.

Zhen Puyang, with a calm expression and dark eyes, brushed off the spilled tea and disrupted the conversation, “No harm. But has the gentleman finished speaking with him? I’d like to visit the gentleman’s study.”