Chapter Forty-Three: He’s a Transmigrator Too?

Lingran suddenly remembered hearing people say that the turning point in Ming Dynasty history seemed to begin with Chu Liuxiang’s unexpected emergence. She recalled seeing glass, hurricane lamps, Gothic architecture in the prime minister’s residence, and so many other things in this era that logically should not exist. Her heart was filled with wonder. If he truly had transmigrated here, then, in terms of timing, he must have arrived at least twenty years before she did. But back then, even in the twenty-first century, there wasn’t such a phrase as “flower-like pretty boys,” was there? Could it be that time and space shifted after transmigration? Had he and she come to this era together, except that he arrived decades earlier than she did? These thoughts were simply too strange, and she could not confirm any of them for now.

“You’ve heard of it too?” The Young Master of Red Gauze’s tone was somewhat airy, making it impossible to grasp his true intentions.

Lingran had not yet sorted out her thoughts, so she certainly wouldn’t admit to anything. She quickly put on a fawning smile. “Flower-like pretty boys—I was just wondering what it meant. But seeing your looks, I suddenly understood. Is it to say a man as beautiful as a flower?”

“Then what did you mean by ‘handsome guy’ just now?” Red Gauze’s eyes flashed with a sharp, penetrating light.

“In… in my hometown, when a boy is born, people always wish him to become a great general or nobleman in the future…” She began to spin a story, but she stumbled a bit, “Above a general is the marshal, the highest rank, so… so when we call a man ‘handsome guy,’ it means he’s impressive, very…”

But seeing the look on Red Gauze’s face—an expression that said, “Go on, keep making things up”—she trailed off awkwardly and could say no more.

Seeing that she had fallen silent, the Young Master of Red Gauze softly said, “Don’t say anything for now. Later, speak as little as possible. I’ll come and question you when I have time.” With that, he glanced at the two maids.

The two maids were clever and quickly said, “Young Master, we won’t say a word.”

Only then did the Young Master’s expression return to normal. He even reached out to take Lingran’s hand and, together, they strode into the Hall of Prudent Virtue.

Xu Shanquan stood by the Prime Minister Chu’s side, gently massaging his shoulders as if waiting to see Lingran’s head roll.

Looking up and seeing the Young Master of Red Gauze enter through the main door, Xu Shanquan’s jade-like face lit up with a radiant smile. Yet when her gaze landed on the joined hands of Red Gauze and Lingran, her expression immediately shifted.

Xu Shanquan saw them backlit, while Lingran saw her face fully illuminated, so the subtle changes in her expression did not escape Lingran’s eyes. Inwardly, she seethed: Hmph! Vile woman, if I hadn’t been lucky enough to meet the Young Master today, I’d have died at your hands! We’ll settle this score slowly!

Red Gauze merely gave Chu Liuxiang a slight bow and greeted, “My Lord.” Then he sat directly across from him.

Chu Liuxiang smiled at Red Gauze—a smile so intimate it made Lingran’s skin prickle. She couldn’t help but wonder how such a man could have fathered a son like Chu Yu, who seemed untouched by the world’s dust.

Chu Liuxiang put down the stack of papers he’d been reading and pointed at Lingran. “What now? Feeling charitable again?”

Red Gauze gently patted Lingran’s hand, as if to comfort her frightened heart, or perhaps as a sign of intimacy. “This time it’s not out of charity. I’ve taken a liking to this girl.”

Upon hearing this, the Prime Minister showed no displeasure, but Xu Shanquan’s face turned as pale as paper. She glanced at Luo Xianghong, and the two of them glared at Lingran as if wanting to devour her whole.

“Oh?” Chu Liuxiang seemed intrigued. “Is there really someone in this residence who meets your standards?” He scrutinized Lingran, who looked utterly miserable, and frowned. “I truly don’t see what’s so special about her. She does have nerve, though!”

“It’s her nerve that I like,” the Young Master of Red Gauze replied with a faint smile. Yet Lingran always felt that though he smiled, his eyes held no mirth. “What’s the fun in having only cautious, timid women? Didn’t you once say, my Lord, that anyone I fancied would be mine?”

“Yours or mine, what’s the difference!” Chu Liuxiang stood up and laughed heartily. “In this world, I trust you as much as I trust Yu’er. If you want her, take her. As long as you don’t leave me, I won’t meddle in your affairs with women.”

Lingran thought to herself: Naturally, you both play with women together! Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Xu Shanquan’s chest heaving with emotion, her gaze locked tightly on Red Gauze. It was as clear as day—she had fallen for the Young Master. Excellent, let her stew!

Red Gauze said, “I heard my Lord will be on duty at the palace for three days starting today. I came to see if there’s anything you need.”

“It’s not so much duty as it is that the young emperor has become unruly again. I’m going to keep an eye on him and give some stern guidance. The emperor is growing up, and many ministers have memorialized, asking to fill his harem. I, too, have been considering selecting some candidates…”

“Didn’t you already decide to make Tianjiao the empress?” Red Gauze asked lightly. His tone made it clear he was only making conversation; he had no real interest in the emperor’s affairs.

“Tianjiao is my adopted daughter. The palace can’t have only an empress. It’s time to select some other girls for him to choose concubines from.” Chu Liuxiang’s gaze suddenly sharpened as he swept his eyes over Xu Shanquan, Lingran, and Luo Xianghong. “Liu Yongcheng has always been respectful to the emperor. Why did he send so many beauties to celebrate my birthday this time? He ought to be more concerned about the emperor’s marital affairs!”

Xu Shanquan clearly understood Chu’s implication and hurriedly protested, “My Lord, I don’t even know Lord Liu!”

Chu Liuxiang sneered, “With your father’s character, Liu Yongcheng wouldn’t bother with you.”

Xu Shanquan flushed crimson but dared not retort.

Red Gauze said, “Lord Liu has always understood the bigger picture. He probably wanted to ease your burdens, My Lord, by sending these women to bring you some leisure. Besides, it was you who put him in charge of the Western Depot—he ought to be grateful.”

Chu Liuxiang nodded slowly, glanced at Lingran, and said, “Don’t take women seriously. Just have your fun.”

Red Gauze nodded.

Lingran could not at all agree with his views, but she was grateful her great ordeal had vanished so easily. The swift changes were hard to adapt to. While quietly bracing herself for what might come, she studied Chu Liuxiang closely, trying to discern whether he, too, was a transmigrant.

Yet nothing on the surface gave him away. His speech and manner were thoroughly Ming Dynasty. Lingran guessed perhaps he was a soul transmigrant—maybe he arrived as a child, giving him time to learn everything perfectly. After all, he had wielded power for over twenty years; no child’s play there—he must have his own ways.

The Prime Minister stood up. Red Gauze rose at once and went to support him. “Ah, there’s been too much going on in the residence lately. It’s given me a headache. Tomorrow is the Ghost Festival—I won’t be able to accompany you to the palace, My Lord. Please take care of yourself.”

To Lingran’s astonishment, Chu Liuxiang smilingly kissed Red Gauze on the lips before turning to the chief steward. “All right, just have the musket squad escort me. You stay here and help the Young Master manage things.”

The chief steward bowed respectfully.

Lingran shivered from head to toe at the sight.