Chapter 412: Chapter 325: The Immortal’s Spring Stirrings (Added 2 in 1)
A lively and boisterous birthday celebration combined with a poetry gathering eventually evolved into the engagement of two women to one man. No matter how one thinks about it, even if it is not a tale of beauty and romance, it is indeed a shocking affair.
The entire process was filled with twists and turns, rare and extraordinary. It wouldn’t be long—perhaps by tomorrow—before this matter spreads from the Prince Mansion, encompassing half of the Capital City.
As for the Prince, overwhelmed by joy, he couldn’t withstand the impact and fell ill, requiring the Princess to assist him back to the inner chambers to rest.
Meanwhile, Chen Yi and the two Yins naturally remained in the inner chambers. Upon learning that his father, the Prince, was merely upset and had suffered a bout of irritation, Yin Weiyin slowly exhaled in relief, finally letting go of his previously tense heart.
"This matter... is it settled just like that?" Yin Weiyin murmured in disbelief.
Chen Yi chuckled and replied, "He hasn’t offered me tea yet."
The female crown cast a quick, flustered glance at him, her delicate hands clutching tightly, her eyes filled with lingering tension.
Chen Yi softened his tone and said:
"For your sake, being polite isn’t out of the question. However, at the time of an engagement, it is expected for the father-in-law to offer tea to the son-in-law."
According to the customs of Great Yu’s engagement rites, the father-in-law and son-in-law must exchange tea and wine.
Yin Weiyin let out a breath of relief, her anxiety dissipating. She teased, "You don’t need to scare me like that. Even if you don’t scare me, I’m still afraid of you all the same."
The Immortal’s voice was serene, and her teasing tone resembled ripples gently spreading across water. Particularly when she glanced at him sideways, her faint yet palpable reprimand was genuinely captivating.
Just as Chen Yi was about to respond, the Princess stepped out at a measured pace.
The Princess halted before the three of them and then cast a deep glance at Chen Yi. She smiled briefly at Yin Weiyin and then directed her gaze toward Yin Tingxue.
"This must be... the daughter of the Prince of Xiang." The Princess studied Yin Tingxue’s features before saying, "The Empress Dowager mentioned her to me. She’s truly a beauty, skilled in all the arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. If possible, I’d truly love to have her as my own daughter."
Yin Tingxue smiled shyly and softly replied:
"It’s been a long time, Aunt Li."
The Princess froze for a moment, slightly tilting her face as she blinked, seemingly trying to recall where she had met Yin Tingxue.
Chen Yi observed the scene closely.
The Princess, unwilling to lose face, prepared to turn her head with a laugh, intending to remark, "Ah, so it’s you."
But at that moment, Yin Tingxue spoke first:
"Aunt Li, do you... not recognize me?"
The Princess looked a bit awkward. But since the conversation had reached this stage, she had no choice but to admit:
"Age has muddled my memory. Logically speaking, I should recognize you. Forget it, let’s not dwell on these matters and instead talk about Chen Qianhu."
The brief exchange with Yin Tingxue was merely a small digression. The Princess’s gaze returned to Chen Yi.
"I’ve long heard of the famed Chen Qianhu. The last time I entered the palace, the Empress Dowager mentioned you multiple times. Seeing you now, you truly are a refined and charming man, unquestionably a worthy groom."
Chen Yi cupped his hands and replied:
"Princess, you flatter me. Now that I’m engaged to Wei Ying, let’s put the past behind us and move forward—would that be good?"
"I couldn’t agree more, truly couldn’t agree more. Truth be told, though the Prince holds some resentment toward you, inwardly, he has considerable respect for you. As a simple woman, I must say, aside from you, there’s no one else in the Capital suitable for her hand."
The Princess had now adopted the demeanor of a mother-in-law admiring her son-in-law, the more she looked at him, the more pleasing he seemed. She turned to Yin Weiyin and softly advised:
"After your marriage, though you are the Taichua Goddess, you must treat him well. Between husband and wife, the most feared thing is merely an outward display of mutual respect. Even quarrels at the head of the bed and reconciliation at the foot are better than such politeness.
So-called mutual respect is merely for the eyes of others. Outsiders may see grace and decorum in your marriage, but privately it is best to remain close and supportive, rather than being consumed by thoughts of attaining immortality and enlightenment."
The Princess spoke at length, yet Yin Weiyin’s expression remained calm and unreadable, leaving one to wonder whether she had truly taken it to heart or ignored it entirely.
After the Princess departed to tend to the Prince, Yin Weiyin maintained her ethereal demeanor and said softly:
"Do you wish to wander around the mansion?"
When she showed such a detached, otherworldly air, Chen Yi was deeply tempted to respond with an exaggerated eye-roll.
Suppressing the urge to pinch her waist, Chen Yi replied:
"Let’s just stroll around casually."
Yin Weiyin could hardly decline; she nodded gently, carried her horsetail whisk, and led the way. Chen Yi held the little fox’s hand and followed behind.
Above, the bright moon hung low, shimmering like ripples on the water. Rows of courtyards and gardens glistened faintly. Distinguished men and elegant women wandered to and fro, their garments alternating between shades of blue and yellow. A crisp breeze swept through the air, while the distant lake emitted a fluffy halo of light.
The female crown indeed meant just "strolling," guiding Chen Yi and Yin Tingxue through pavilions, terraces, stone sculptures, and jade railings without pausing or offering explanations. It was nothing like Yin Tingxue’s prior tour of the Prince of Xiang’s mansion.
After wandering for an indeterminate amount of time, they finally settled at a waterside pavilion. The cornice was slightly curved, the green tiles stacked, and sandalwood railings enveloped the sides. A stone table stood atop the pavilion, which offered an expansive view of the shimmering lakescape beneath the cold moonlight. Turning one’s gaze slightly revealed a courtyard not far away—this pavilion was close to Yin Weiyin’s personal chambers.
Chen Yi sat by the stone table. Now, the engagement was no longer mere talk. Even if the Prince intended to backtrack, ultimately, it was still his reputation at stake. Moreover, the Prince couldn’t hinder Yin Weiyin’s wishes. In the end, he could only swallow his grievances silently. The only scenario for refusal was if Chen Yi himself wished to renege. Yet at such a juncture, to revoke the agreement would be an act of utter depravity.