Chapter 32 Another Incident

It finally happened. Yun Shang squinted as she thought of an idea.

She took a sip of the fruit tea and said, "Sister, it seems you know everything about all the young masters of noble origin in the Imperial City." She paused and lowered her head a little. Then she whispered to Hua Jing, "I stayed at Ning'guo Temple to serve Buddha for a long time. It hasn't been long since I returned. I know nothing about those young masters. I rely on Your Majesty and mother to pick a good husband for me. I think Your Majesty and mother would not treat me unkindly."

Emperor Ning's face darkened at the words uttered by Yun Shang. Everyone knew that Princess Hua Jing was married. Her husband was the Emperor's son-in-law. But knowing everything about all young masters of noble origin? That was tantamount to subtle criticism on Hua Jing's immoral behavior as a woman.

But Hua Jing seemed to be ignorant about all this. She smiled, "Shang'er, you'd better take a look first."

Yun Shang didn't reply as she felt someone staring at her. The feeling was so strong that she could not ignore it. Yun Shang turned around and saw Prince Jing watching her. There was a touch of curiosity and even coldness in his gaze, which surprised Yun Shang a little.

Fortunately, the Empress initiated a conversation. "It was reported that Prince Jing encountered an assassination on his way back. It's a blessing of Buddha that you are not hurt. Extremists are so desperate."

"An assassination? Where did it happen?" Emperor Ning asked eagerly.

Prince Jing moved his gaze away from Yun Shang, and said with a smile, "Mt. Qingfeng."

"Mt. Qingfeng?" On hearing this, Hua Jing shouted, "Shang'er would have passed by Mt. Qingfeng today on her way back to the Imperial Palace from Ning'guo Temple, right? Were you hurt?"

Yun Shang burst into a gentle smile, "Maybe I passed through at a different time. I did not face any incident on the way. It was quite safe all the way to the Imperial City."

"That's good." Hua Jing patted her chest with relief.

"Let's not talk about these dull matters. The dancing and singing shouldn't be suspended." The Empress smiled, and clapped her hands as a sign. Music began playing again, and the guests indulged in drinking, eating, and toasting.

Yun Shang lingered for a while. Since the party had carried on for hours, and guests had begun getting drunk, she left the hall with Qin Yi.

"Your Imperial Highness, Prince Jin

n Zhen. Although she seemed apologetic, she was smiling brilliantly. She wondered why Empress Yuan Zhen had come to her. It would certainly not be to inquire about some insignificant information for the Ceremony.

Empress Yuan Zhen said with a grin, "It's the Coming-of-age Ceremony for a girl. The more complicated, the more ceremonious. Well, it's tradition that girls should show their talents to the guests on their Coming-of-age Ceremony. Many noble members and senior officials will attend the Imperial banquet after the Ceremony, and I have also invited their sons who are all currently at marriageable age. It's an opportunity for Shang'er. It's very possible that you'll meet your husband on that day."

Yun Shang was caught by surprise. She said after a pause, "But, mother, I have spent all my years at Ning'guo Temple. I only learned some characters from Master Wu Na. It is barely enough for me to transcribe some Buddhist scriptures. I know nothing else..."

"The Four Arts, embroidering, or anything alike would count. You don't have to be too conventional." Empress Yuan Zhen flashed her most graceful smile.

Yun Shang lowered her head. Her eyes were bathed in tears. "But, I know nothing at all. Nobody in the Temple would teach me about the Four Arts. Not even embroidering."

Empress Yuan Zhen breathed out a slight sigh. She said after a while of silence, "It would be a stain on your reputation if you showed no talent. I have an idea. You should find a painting, and I will tell Jing'er to make the embroidering according to it. And you shall tell everybody on your Coming-of-age Ceremony that it's your work..."