White Calculation Chapter 4

Chapter 04 - Hairpin ceremony

The day of the hairpin ceremony was approaching fast.

Since she is an adopted daughter the ceremony should not necessarily be as grand as a ceremony held for a biological daughter but Zhennan w.a.n.g Residence only has this girl as a daughter.  Thus, Ji Ting deliberately a.s.signed a steward to help w.a.n.gfei with the preparations for the ceremony and even Princess Yanyang seemed to have put down the unhappiness of the previous days.  She deliberately entered the palace to seek out the Empress and she was even able to invite the Empress to be the guest of honor.

Instantly, everyone in the Residence did not dare to look down on the little orphan girl and treated her with respect.

But how would the w.a.n.gfei know what Princess Yanyang was planning?

She only thought that Princess Yanyang had let bygones be bygones and w.a.n.gfei has been feeling very happy the past few days.  When the actual day finally arrived, w.a.n.gfei went to Lang Huan Pavilion early in the morning to personally help Xiaoli with her dressing.

Zhennan w.a.n.gfei comes from the South b.u.t.terfly Gate of Dark Night Valley which is famous throughout the world for their armor and their embroidery is also extraordinary.  The ceremonial dress that is prepared for Ji Xiaoli today is sewn personally by w.a.n.gfei.  The moon-yellow skirt is soft and dignified and the skirt is embroidered with large designs of the Yarrow Gra.s.s.  The silk threads were specially made and the color changes endlessly with the swaying movements of the skirt as if the gra.s.s is real.  Xiaoli's snow-white skin and black hair coupled with her soft yellow skirt complemented her limpid big eyes and her red lips.

At this time, it is the spring season and the first rays of the morning light fell on the refres.h.i.+ng girl who was standing in front of the dressing table.  She gave a feeling like she is a hibiscus emerging from clear water*……a natural carving.

(A hibiscus emerging from clear water describes a pure, natural and fresh beauty.)

When she was first brought back as a baby by the Zhennan w.a.n.g Residence, she was no bigger than a pillow.  Now as the w.a.n.gfei looked at the girl bathed in the morning light, she could not help but cry.

"Xiaoli, come here!"  w.a.n.gfei dabbed the tears from the corners of her eyes and from her sleeve she took out a silk-wire golden phoenix hairpin.  The blood-red precious gemstone on the hairpin was as big as a longan fruit.  It was embedded in the body of the Phoenix, exquisite and magnificent.  With just a glance, it can be seen that this hairpin is not any common hairpin.

Ji Xiaoli's eyes widened.

The gemstone is so full of brilliance!  It should be as old as a few hundred years and must be full of spiritual essence.  If this gemstone is smashed into pieces and refined into pills for transforming into a Fairy, how wonderful it will be!

When w.a.n.gfei saw her staring at the hairpin with eyes glowing with delight, she sighed softly in her heart and said in a gentle tone.  "Originally, I had decided to use this hairpin for the ceremony but today's guest of honor is the Empress and the Princess had already prepared a jasper hairpin for the ceremony, so you should keep this hairpin.  This was discovered in the cloth that you were swathed in when you were first brought home.  This must have been left to you by your mother……   Today, you have come of age and if she knows, she will be very happy for you."

When Xiaoli heard the hairpin was left to her by her biological mother, she reluctantly withdrew her eager gaze from the gemstone and sighed with regret.

Looks like……..it is impossible to extract the gemstone to refine fairy pills…….

"Come……let Mother put this on for you.  From now on, this hairpin will belong to you.  You must keep this hairpin safe.  This is the dowry your mother purposely left for you."  w.a.n.gfei carefully pushed the hairpin into Xiaoli's hair.

Pulling the little girl, w.a.n.gfei studied her for a long while and then she praised her with sincerity.  "You look really beautiful!  If our Xiaoli is not mischievous and doesn't cause trouble, she is truly a beautiful girl!"

Ji Xiaoli blinked her eyes and replied honestly.  "Then I will only be beautiful when I am asleep."

w.a.n.gfei was momentarily stunned and immediately patted her in rebuke.  w.a.n.gfei's dowry maid*, Qian Yi burst into laughter and joked.  "When Young Miss is sleeping, she doesn't behave properly either.  Although she is the only one sleeping on the bed, the bed is not even big enough for her.  When I am on night duty to serve her, she would fall off the bed while sleeping and this had occurred several times!"

(Dowry maid is the maid that follows her Mistress from the Mistress's parental home to the newly-wedded husband's home.)

All the maids in the room tried to hide their smiles while Xiaoli smiled sheepishly and pulled the bangs resting on her forehead.

**8**8**8**8**

The sky turned bright and the main gate of Zhennan w.a.n.g Residence was opened.  Guests and friends who came to offer their congratulations had arrived.  When Chen s.h.i.+* arrived, the crunching sound of wheels was heard outside the gate.  It was the carriage of the Empress.

(Chen s.h.i.+ is the 2-hourly sector of time between 7am to 9am.)

The present Empress is the niece of the Emperor's biological mother, Empress Dowager Cixiao.  The two women are from the Song Family which is one of the n.o.blest families of the Ye Kingdom.  Princess Yanyang is the eldest daughter of the Empress Dowager Cixiao therefore, the Empress is her close relative and sister-in-law.  Zhennan w.a.n.gfei and the group of n.o.ble madams knelt down to greet the Empress upon her arrival and after Princess Yanyang had greeted the Empress, she stretched out her hand to the Empress.

Yanyang smiled and held on to the arm of the Empress.  "The Empress is truly on time!"

"This is the hairpin ceremony of Zhennan w.a.n.g Residence's Young Miss, how will I dare to be late?"  The Empress courteously gestured for the ladies who were kneeling to get up while she teased her sister-in-law.

Princess Yanyang smiled and said to Zhennan w.a.n.gfei who was standing at the side.  "Elder Sister, since the guest of honor has arrived, shall we start the ceremony?"

Zhennan w.a.n.gfei agreed and sent someone to invite the Young Miss to come out and offer her greetings.

When Ji Xiaoli came out, she was supported by Qian Yi and her footsteps could be considered as light lotus steps.  Her posture was like willow and her yellow-colored skirt complemented her black hair and snow-white skin.  Her posture when bowing and greeting the Empress was also elegant and respectful.  All the guests and the group of madams attending the ceremony were a little surprised.  In the past, they had heard rumors that this adopted daughter of Zhennan w.a.n.g Residence is rude and uncultivated.  But today, they could see that she is a dignified lady!

As for the madams who were seeking suitable marriage matches for the sons in their families, they started to show an interest.

Princess Yanyang proudly threw a glance at Zhennan w.a.n.gfei and meanwhile the w.a.n.gfei was smiling with happiness.

After the Empress had inserted the jasper hairpin into Xiaoli's hair, she uttered a few words of – "When the hair is rolled up, the heart must become righteous and thoughts must be orderly."

Then the Empress indicated for the girl to be helped up and it was time to thank the person who performed the ceremony.

After the hairpin ceremony, a girl would be regarded as an adult and ready to be married.  According to customs, after the ceremony, it was necessary to present a piece of needlework sewn personally as a gift to the person who a.s.sisted with the ceremony.  The w.a.n.gfei had earlier prepared a sachet embroidered with magnolia flowers for Xiaoli and had reminded her to keep it in the folds of her sleeve.

Xiaoli pulled out the sachet and a palace maid presented it to the Empress.

The Empress smiled, picked up the sachet and glanced at the pattern embroidered on the black sachet, then gently expressed surprise.  "Yi?……..This…….did you sew this?"  A well-maintained slender finger caressed the auspicious cloud patterns embroidered on the sachet and felt something was amiss.  "What is inside this?"

Xiaoli looked up and let out a cry of shock.  "Ah!"  She hurriedly went through her sleeve and pulled out another sachet embroidered with magnolia flowers.  She said apologetically.  "That's not the right one!  I gave you the wrong sachet!  Here is the right one!"

The Empress smiled and holding the black sachet embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns with golden threads, she waved pleasantly at Xiaoli.

"Come!  Stand up and come over to Bengong.  Is this sachet yours?"

Ji Xiaoli nodded and replied honestly.  "This was given to me by the Guos.h.i.+ when I was 5 years old.  He told me to open it ten years later."

Last night, she had pestered w.a.n.gfei for this sachet and after a bout of relentless pestering w.a.n.gfei finally took it out and gave it to her.  w.a.n.gfei had reminded her to keep it safe and close to her.  Xiaoli clearly remembered she had kept the sachet in the box on her dressing table but how did it end up in her sleeve?

"When you were 5 years old…….that means it was the former Lord Guos.h.i.+…….."

The Empress said thoughtfully and personally handed the sachet back to Xiaoli.  She smiled and said.  "Bengong had respected and appreciated the former Lord Guos.h.i.+ for many years.  Today I have the chance to see his work and wish to have a look."

Ji Xiaoli did not notice the frown and expression on Princess Yanyang's face.  She generously and happily said it was not a problem…….it's alright to let you take a look!

When she opened the sachet, there was only a piece of paper inside.

It was personally written by the old Lord Guos.h.i.+ and the writing was similar to clouds flowing like water, vigorous and powerful ~~ Tao Li*……..

(Tao Li means an outstanding student.) 

The Empress held the white paper that had turned yellow with age In her hands and thought for a moment.  Then she let out a laugh and holding up the piece of paper, she said to everyone.

"……In ten years, East of the upper Capital City, peach blossoms will begin to bloom fully in red……..   The former Lord Guos.h.i.+ had really given a lot of thought to this.  This girl is truly blessed!  It is certainly worthwhile for Bengong to perform this ceremony for her.  Even the former Lord Guos.h.i.+ thought highly of her and had even taken her as his disciple!"

The n.o.ble lords and ladies could not understand what was happening but they still echoed their congratulations in confusion.  Princess Yanyang seemed to understand a little and was not very satisfied.

"The former Lord Guos.h.i.+ had long left with the heavenly crane.  How will Xiaoli be able to his disciple?  And she is only a girl, what is the purpose of learning under a Master?"

The important thing is to get her married off and get her out of Zhennan w.a.n.g Residence!

"Not to worry.  Our present Lord Guos.h.i.+ was taught by the former Guos.h.i.+ personally and has profound deep knowledge."  The Empress said with a smile.

Princess Yanyang did not expect that this time she would run into a blank wall.

Zhennan w.a.n.gfei knelt in front of the Empress and begged.  "Empress Niang Niang.…… Chenqie* heard that Lord Guos.h.i.+ is a young and talented man but he is only a 'weak crown'*.  At this age when Xiaoli just had had her hairpin ceremony, it is inappropriate for her to enter the Guos.h.i.+ Residence as a disciple……….Niang Niang, please reconsider!"

(Instead of the word 'I', the wife of a prince will call herself 'Chenqie' when she speaks to the Emperor, the Empress or the Empress Dowager.)

(A weak crown is a young man who had reached the age of 20 years and had just completed the coming-of-age ceremony indicating he had reached adulthood.)

"w.a.n.gfei.……"  The Empress smiled gently.  "This is not Bengong's decision.  Let it be done this way……."

"Xiaoli……Bengong wants to ask you…….  Would you like to go to Guos.h.i.+ Residence to practiceTaoism?"

(In ancient China, Taoism was widely practiced and one of the beliefs is that all living things i.e. plants, flowers, trees, etc., are spiritual and the teachings emphasized leading simple lives.)

w.a.n.gfei's heart tightened and before she could raise her head to gesture with her eyes, she already heard her daughter's crisp voice replying happily.  "Yes, I'll go!……..I'll go!…….."

The Empress smiled and nodded.

Zhennan w.a.n.gfei who was kneeling on the ground felt at a loss.

Princess Yanyang was a little frustrated and a little angry.  Her expression was also not good.

The n.o.ble ladies in the room all exchanged looks, trying to find the answer from each other's eyes as to what was going on.

Only Ji Xiaoli was standing happily in the center and her face was full of excitement…….as if she would become a Fairy and fly away tomorrow.

**8**8**8**8**

The news of the uncivilized girl wanting to go to Guos.h.i.+ Residence to practice Taoism sprouted wings and instantly flew to all corners of the Zhennan w.a.n.g Residence.

Ji Bei was the first person who came looking for Xiaoli.  That night, feeling agitated he shouted as he barged into Lang Huan Pavilion.  "Ji Xiaoli!  This Young Master wants you to come out!"

At this moment, Ji Xiaoli was instructing her maids to pack her medicine canisters and her stove that she uses for concocting medicine pills.  As soon as she heard Ji Bei's angry voice, she hurriedly said.  "Everyone stay here to pack my things.  I will go out and block his way.  He must not come in!"  Whenever Ji Bei gets angry, he would threaten to smash her medicinal stove.

As expected, when she ran out, she saw Ji Bei rus.h.i.+ng in angrily.  Xiaoli quickly held up both her hands to bar him from entering.  "You're not allowed to go in and smash my stove!"

Ji Bei stretched out his hand and poked her forehead.  "This Young Master here now wants to smash your head!"

Ji Xiaoli turned pale with shock.

The little girl was so scared that her eyes became big and round.  She looked so cute that Ji Bei's anger dissipated by half and he hated iron for not becoming steel.  He caught hold of a bunch of her hair and said ferociously.  "When the Empress asked whether you were willing to go, you actually agreed?!  Do you know what kind of place is the Guos.h.i.+ Residence?  Do you know what kind of person is the current Guos.h.i.+ ?"

"Lianyi said he is somewhat similar to a Zhe Xian."  Ji Xaoli recalled the gossip narrated by Peony Spirit.  "He has a handsome appearance which is unlike a human."

(The explanation of Zhe Xian is on Chapter 1 - last paragraph.)

Ji Bei's cheeks ached and he became even angrier.  "Which courtyard does this maid Lianyi come from?!"

"It's not a girl.  It's the peony plant in the Princess's courtyard.  After tonight, it will become a spirit, so I gave it a name to celebrate its success in becoming a spirit."

Ji Bei's mouth twitched as he stormed off in anger.  When he reached the door, he paused momentarily.  "Later, someone will send you a pair of wartime homing pigeons……..  It is heard that the Guos.h.i.+ is very cold and arrogant.  He treats people very……..  If you can't stand it, send a pigeon home with a letter and I will come immediately to take you away."

When Xiaoli heard that she would be given a pair of birds, she smiled and answered.  "Alright."

He let out a sigh when he saw her with a carefree smile and said sharply.  "The pigeons belong to Second Eldest Brother……..he is very unhappy."

**8**8**8**8**

At this moment, the very unhappy person is accompanying his Mother in Wan Qing Courtyard having dinner.

Princess Yanyang personally picked up the plate of Phoenix Moon Spring Chicken and placed it in front of him.  She thoughtfully said.  "The last time, when you went to Nan Hua Courtyard, you said that this spring chicken dish tasted very good.  Mother especially sent someone over to inquire about the way to prepare this dish.  You should try this!"

Ji Xi had a blank expression and acted according to manners expected from him as he ate but he did not touch the plate of spring chicken.

Even after showing so much concern for her son, he still did not show any appreciation for her efforts, so with a cold face, she slammed down her pair of chopsticks and said.  "Why are you showing me this expression?!"

Ji Xi also put down his chopsticks and looked at his Mother.  "Mother is also trying to please me, so what are your intentions?"

Princess Yanyang choked.

Out of her three sons, Ji Dong is steady and Ji Bei is rash, however, this Ji Xi……it is not known who he takes after.  He does not talk much but every word from him is sharp and powerful.  Whenever they argue, Princess Yanyang would not be able to match him and now she could only say directly.  "I know what lies in your heart!  That uncivilized girl is leaving for Guos.h.i.+ Residence and I know you are taking it badly…….but I am your Mother!"

Ji Xi said faintly.  "Since you are my Mother and since you know what I am thinking…….. does Mother bear to let me be unhappy and is still unwilling to help me succeed?"

"Obviously, the Empress was the person who was determined to send that uncivilized girl to Guos.h.i.+ Residence.  If it is not the Emperor who is supporting the Empress then it must be the Empress Dowager.  What can Bengong do?"

Princess Yanyang lifted her eyebrows and said.  "You'd better break off all thoughts about her as early as possible!  That kind of uncivilized girl…….she must not even harbor the thought of becoming Bengong's daughter-in-law!"

Princess Yanyang is well-known for her hot temper and when she is angry, she would be like the strong fiery sun, which is intimidating.  When her chest heaved up and down with anger, Ji Xi calmly picked up his chopsticks and took a few mouthfuls of food.  Then he said slowly.  "This is not as tasty as the dish prepared in Nan Hua Courtyard."

Princess Yanyang's anger soared to the peak!

Today, she had specially prepared this spread and requested him to have dinner with her.  Her main purpose is to persuade him to break off any thoughts about that uncivilized girl as soon as possible.  Her eldest son's marriage is about to be confirmed and although Ji Bei is stubborn, he would still listen to his Father, Ji Ting.  It is only this second son who makes her very worried and gives her headaches.

"You……..you………"  Yanyang gnashed her teeth and wanted to give him a lecture but at this moment, a maid's shrill screams rang out.

"What is the matter?  What are the screams all about?!"  Yanyang asked unhappily.

Qi Momo rushed in from outside and quickly reported.  "It's the Third Young Master…….. I don't know what happened………  He pulled out the plant under the window sill……that 'Golden Jade Splendor'!………"

That peony plant 'Golden Jade Splendor' was gifted by the Emperor to Yanyang on her birthday.  The valuable plant was especially moved from the Guos.h.i.+ Residence to Zhennan w.a.n.g Residence.  It had not been easy to raise that plant and now it is ruined before she can even appreciate it!

The moment Yanyang heard the news, her breathing stalled.  It hurt so much that she kept patting her chest and pointed her jaded finger at Ji Xi who had not moved at all.

"All of you!  If you don't anger me to death, you aren't done yet!"