The Rich and Powerful Chang An Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The former Empress's spirit tablet had not been enshrined in the Xiao Shi Palace, rather enshrined at the Chang Sheng Palace which was closest to the emperor's Taiji Palace. The two people encountered Xiao Qing Yu, Xiao Qing Yan's little brother of the same mother, outside the Palace.

“Big brother, I knew you would come here today, even brought sister-in-law ah.” Xiao Qing Yu look was quite resembled Xiao Qing Yan, but just one point less stable and more lively temperament.

Although Xiao Qing Yu did not directly ask himself, Xu Chang also could not ignore him. He nodded and answered to Xiao Qing Yu: “Fourth Highness, hâo*.”

*like saying "ni hao" but replace ni with fourth highness. On intimate term. Don't know how to properly translated it.

He wanted to play and tease himself with this male sister-in-law, but was fruitless when he did not received a desired response. Xiao Qing Yu was embarrassed and then suddenly he looked serious and went toward Xu Chang An. A face almost wanted to bump into Xu Chang An's. Remained in calm and composed, Xu Chang An retreated back for a few by the sudden intimidation movement of Xiao Qing Yu. The flurried movements between his feet caused him to stumble and was about to fall backwards. On the other side, Xiao Qing Yan subconsciously stretched out a hand to grab but hesitate in between, making his hand only able to touch the corner of Xu Chang An's garment. Then he helplessly watched that person fall heavily on the ground, gave out a sound of muffled groan.

“Simply want to make trouble! If you want trouble, go to my place then.” Only looking at a glance at the person on the ground, Xiao Qing Yan's face became a little darken. He, in a stern voice shouted at Xiao Qing Yu loudly, then also not wanted to go to take care of the person on the ground, he quickly walked ahead to the hall alone.

Xu Chang An two elbows were … … Also had even fell hard on his back. Xiao Qing Yan left. Xiao Qing Yu stood on the side and resumed a look of a smile. Taking a deep breath, Xu Chang An slowly got up and hobbled to catch up with Xiao Qing Yan's figure. He knew that Xiao Qing Yan was heartless about him and Xiao Qing Yu despised him. However, it did not matter. Since his mother's death, he did not care about the pain that the people of the world had imposed on him. He did not care if he was in pain, as long as he still did not gave up this life, then nothing would be unbearable.

Xiao Qing Yu was the youngest of the emperors' princes. In the words of ordinary people, he was also the most inept. The next year would be his coming of age year, but there had been no achievements. All day long only knew 'eat, drink, and make merry', as well often appeared and disappeared to the red-light district. Now that he had reached the age of matrimony, however it could not be help that each daughters of the wealthy family actually avoided him.

Looking over at the obviously inconvenience body, but still made great efforts straightening the body, that person hurrying to pursue Xiao Qing Yan. Xiao Qing Yu's eyebrows raised, afterwards turned and left, but also let out 'haha'.

When Xu Chang An caught up with Xiao Qing Yan, Xiao Qing Yan was already in front of the late Empress's bier. Xu Chang An naturally also wanted to follow that person to kneel down together. Just before the action, he found that Xiao Qing Yan was actually kneeling directly on the ground, the nicely place cattail hassock he put away at the side.

Xu Chang An lightly pursed up the corner of his mouth, and Xiao Qing Yan moved over half the body's distance, and like Xiao Qing Yan, he also directly knelt on the ground. Looking straight ahead with an upright back, well-built figure even known as a tall and sturdy person, Xu Chang An however only saw his lonely figure.

He was the emperor's eldest son and the emperor's first wife's eldest son, now he married a man and ruined a promising future. The grief in his heart was of course normal.

The two people knelt for one sichen (2hour). When Xiao Qing Yan got up, his body shook slightly because of his numbed legs. Xu Chang An was waiting for Xiao Qing Yan to turn away before he slowly stood up. He did not want to continue to make a fool of himself in front of Xiao Qing Yan. After watching Xiao Qing Yan got up, he did not rush to follow but rubbed his legs first. Although he had already made preparations, but after all, the time was a bit longer, and his legs were still uncomfortable. In addition, he just now had fallen on his back and catching up to Xiao Qing Yan in large strides, there was not a moment when Xu Chang An forehead runout of sweats.

Xiao Qing Yan was tall and had a long legs, and his strides were very large. Xu Chang An tried to catch up but he was only farther and farther away from him. Xiao Qing Yan simply waited for him at the palace's entrance. Otherwise, he really did not know how to go back.

“Many thanks, Your Highness.”

“Useless.” Although the royal carriage was comfortable but also tall, Xu Chang An spent a lot of energy when getting on the carriage. After he got into the carriage, he had already done his utmost to constrain, but still faintly gasping out.

Looking at the flushed face, sweat-dripping and panting person— Xu Chang An, Xiao Qing Yan only gave him ‘useless' word without opening his mouth. Only in his heart had been thinking that this man was just like himself. After kneeling on the ground for a long time, he had admitted his mistakes to his imperial mother and he was punishing himself. Why did he (XCA) go to join him? He (XCA) was more attentive, it was impossible to go look at the man himself.

After returning, the two arrived at the Wang's Residence and received the emperor's imperial edict.

“By the grace of God, the Emperor issued name tittle to Emperor's Eldest Son Xiao Qing Yan as Xian Wang, Xu Family's son as Xian Wang Fei. Immediately, express gratitude for the favour, Xian Wang, Xian Wang Fei.” The eunuch who declared the imperial edict was the person who had served the emperor for decades. However, this time, it was how they couldn't understand the mind of their master. The master gave the First prince a male wife to break his path to the throne, but he also titled him the Xian Wang*. He must knew that this Xian Wang fief land was a land of hundreds of li* beyond the vicinity of JingJiao*. Consequently, every Xian Wang was bound to be the future Son of Heaven.

*Sage King (highest ranking title)

*a traditional unit of length, equal to 150 zhang (市丈), and equivalent to 0.5 kilometre or 0.311 mile

*suburbs of capital city

“Er Chen accepted the decree. Expressing gratitude for the favour.” After receiving the imperial decree, Xiao Qing Yan's heart was endlessly excited. Afterwards, he already had not in the least cared about the rewards that came along with the decree. What he cared most about now was the imperial father's intentions. Did not imperial father abandoned him. But …. looking at the side of Xian Wang Fei, Xiao Qing Yan could only pushed down the wishful thinking in his heart at the moment, everything in front of him was probably imperial father's compensation.

There were dozens of boxes of gold and silver jewelleries and all kinds of exotic treasures that the emperor gave. Xiao Qing Yan did not look at it, just threw a sentence and let Wang Fei to dispose of it before he left.

Xu Chang An was just beside Xiao Qing Yan, Xiao Qing Yan's changed of mood, he naturally noticed a little. Xu Chang An had always been a smart person. Xiao Qing Yan's thoughts, he could guess seven or eight tenths. Accordingly, knowing his place, he did not go to upset Xiao Qing Yan's desolate moment.

Until everything was booked and put into storage, the sky had already completely darkened and he returned to his courtyard. Yang Momo had already prepared the food and waited for Xu Chang An. Xu Chang An thought that Xiao Qing Yan also should not have eaten yet. Also did not know if his (XQY) food intake needed to be arranged by himself, and again if he needed or not to wait to eat together with him (XQY).

“Momo, do we need to wait for His Highness?” Some rules of Imperial House, Xu Chang An was not very clear, could only consult with Yang Momo.

“Accordingly, the first few days of a new marriage His Highness should come and join with young master to have meals, but …”

“I know, so let's wait.”

On the wedding night, Xu Chang An didn't expect Xiao Qing Yan to come back and he didn't wait. Today, no matter what, he had to wait for any longer.

Sure enough, after a while Xiao Qing Yan came back.

“Come and give me food.”

“Yes, Wang Ye.” Xu Chang An liked light things. The dishes prepared by Yang Momo for him were mainly vegetarian based. Xiao Qing Yan was not used to oil-free and salt-free things. He ate very slowly but he had not put down his chopsticks. .

Xu Chang An had fallen very hard today. Not only were his elbows, but his whole body was a little uncomfortable. Although serving the food was a trivial matter, however repeatedly extending his hands would also be a bit painful. Yang Momo and the two yatou were standing on one side, and they both feel bad about their young master and did not dare to speak. It was right for Wang Fei to serve Wang Ye with meals, and there was no leeway for them to speak in this room.

It wasn't easy for Xiao Qing Yan to eat well. Yang MoMo was prepared to serve her young master meals, but Xiao Qing Yan again asked Xu Chang An to serve him for bath.

Read only at xahxiaoran.WordPress.com

The hot water was quickly carried to the bath chamber. Xiao Qing Yan had a pair of hands stretch out and just stood there. Xu Chang An stepped forward to undress him. Xiao Qing Yan was still dressed in today's clothes when he entered the palace; the prince's formal clothes. Although every single piece of clothing was all light, however the design was loaded with many details. It was hard to avoid being close to Xiao Qing Yan when he went to untie the belt of his dragon and phoenix designs official robe. Knowing that Xiao Qing Yan detested him, Xu Chang An made as much as possible be at a distance with him. Hearing Xiao Qing Yan's low cough, when he raised his eyes to look, he caught a sight of Xiao Qing Yan actually frowning and looking at him.

Xiao Qing Yan actually did not hate this Xu Chang An person, even outward appearance and character did not disliked. After getting close to him, Xiao Qing Yan found that Xu Chang An was not just that sort of what imperial father described as; cold and delicate beauty. His appearance was in fact extremely beautiful and gentle. The reason why he seemed cold was most likely because of the alienated air he emitted from his whole body.

“Alright, you go out first. If needed, Wang will call you.”

“Yes, Wang Ye.”

Seeing Xu Chang An came out, Yang Momo quickly let him eat, but Xu Chang An did not have any appetite. Only ate a few mouthful but after his stomach was filled a little, Xu Chang An's body felt a little comfortable. After again eating a few vegetables, he allowed Yang Momo to take the food away and withdrawn.

Just to count the things the emperor had gifted them, already took a lot of time. Now the color of the sky was already late, Xiao Qing Yan came out from the bath and prepared to retire for the night.

“You can sleep in the outer room, but you are not allowed to let people found out.”

"Alright." Looking at Xiao Qing Yan was already lying on the bed, Xu Chang An put out the light for him. Only then he dared to gently rub his own hands together. Afterwards, he carefully retreated to go out.

“It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter.” Xu Chang An's voice in the darkness was neither displeased nor angry, there was no wave. It seemed that he didn't care what Xiao Qing Yan did to him. In the outer room, Xu Chang An soon closed his eyes when he slept on the bed, but he had no sleepiness.

Early the next morning, Xu Chang An got up and entered the bedroom. However, he did not go to the bed, just sat at the end of the bedside. He waited until the color of the sky was about right and the maid awaited outside, was he able to start calling the people to enter to serve them.

From when Xu Chang An entering the door, Xiao Qing Yan became aware, he refused to start talking merely not wanted to and Xu Chang An spoke nothing more. He already made better preparation to let Xu Chang An lied together on the bed with him, but he didn't expect Xu Chang An actually did not want to get into the bed, only sitting at the bedside.

"Wang Fei, today is your first visit to your parental home day. How about you change into a little brighter color of outer garment?" Yesterday, they already went to the imperial palace to thank for the favour. Today, they did not need to be dressed in formal clothing to accord with their status. But today, Wang Fei whole person was very plain. The yatou did not forget since this both were the first visit and happened to be received a grand wedding event in Wang Residence, no matter what should be dressed in a bright colored clothing to add cheerful atmosphere was just right, ah.

The yatou words had both people able to remember that today was the first visit day. Xiao Qing Yan needless to say, had no doubt did not want to go to some nuisance Xu home. While on the other hand, Xu Chang An also did not want to go back. For a while, both people were silence.

The yatou who had just spoken, saw the two masters did not speak and their faces were also somewhat unpleasant. Thought that she had said something wrong, she got scared and hands trembled. Until Xiao Qing Yan had left, only then she dared to let out a breath and continuously patted her chest.

Did not know if Xiao Qing Yan took to heart by the yatou's words or not, since he did not commit himself until he finally left.

“Young Master, although Laoye really did too much, but today if Wang Ye does not accompany you to go back, in the future do not know what the people in the capital want to ridicule you. Wang Ye is truly too much.” Endured and endured again, however the controlled words in Chunyu's mind were spoken out. All along, Wang Ye had not let Young Master to meet Wang Residence's domestic servants and forget about officially acknowledge Young Master's position. Why was it that even the first visit not wanted to accompany Young Master, ah!

"Not going back is not exactly fine? Laoye at that time was eagerly looking forward to Young Master's stay at Zhuangzi for all your lifetime. Now that Young Master had became Xian Wang Fei, exactly he is a fourth rank petty official who needed to seek a connection, we just pay no heed to him today! Young Master, Wang Ye is doing fine. If we don't go back, it's not only us to feel ashamed . People in the capital have eyes. They will certainly know that Laoye formerly bullied Young Master. This will make Wang Ye avenges you."

“You all don't feel sorry for me?” Obviously just when he knew that he was going to be married off to a man, he also looked sad. This was until a few days. What an unexpected turn of events.

“Young Master, time has changed. Now that you are already married to Wang Ye, you must think in a good place. At least for now, no one can bully you, isn't it?”

"You two ah, this is already not our unpopulated small Zhuangzi, nor is it Xu House that can kick us around. This is the Wang Residence. In the future, what should be said and what shouldn't be said all need to be sensible. Like that type of talk just now afterwards don't say it again. Even in private also cannot say. Understand?" Regarding whether or not to go back, Xu Chang An already had considered himself, early on his heart had the answer.

Of the four Princes of the current emperor, only Xiao Qing Yan had reached twenty years old and began attending the court. But these days, he did not need to go nor he had the inclination to go. When he heard his own personal page boy reported that Wang Fei had requested for an audience, Xiao Qing Yan's heart curious. There must be a particular purpose for coming over to request an audience. What possibly did he want?

“Paying respect to Wang Ye.”

“Say it, what is the matter?”

"Wang Ye, today is Chen first visit home day." He did not at all dodged from meeting up with Xiao Qing Yan's measuring gaze. Xu Chang An did not have any hint of compromise on his face.

“Specially came seek just for this? Well then, Wang can tell you, that Wang won't go." Seemingly Xiao Qing Yan had already paid attention and made up decision.

However, Xu Chang An did not compromise and continued: "Wang Ye, the ritual/ceremony cannot be abandon. The present emperor's rule is to love the common people as one's own children and the Imperial family is the example of what the people of the world looked over at. Wang Ye think carefully."

It's the same posture just now, beseeching speech of words and the manner of the tone were exactly like asking somebody for help . Measuring the distance of himself with the person was at a distance of a teapoy, absent-mindedly Xiao Qing Yan suddenly felt that this unyielding face seemed to be rather familiar, but under careful thinking again, he had no impression at all, and he did not think much about it. Instead, immediately instructed the servants to prepare for first visitation ceremony. He and Wang Fei would go to first visitation today.

All the people in the world, those people who were staring at them, they too were one of all the people.

<

Chapter end