MYUFPC CHAPTER 3
As cold as everlasting snow on a mountain peak
Zhan Daren, whose given name is Yue and styled name Yanqing, is the youngest son of the Duke of Anguo, ranking fourth among his siblings, making him the uncle of Zhan Shaoying. In other words, Zhan Yue is also a distant fourth uncle to Jiashan in her past life.
When Jiashan left this world, Zhan Yue had already risen to the position of Commander of the Five Armies. Even the newly enthroned emperor at the time held him in great respect and awe.
Currently, Zhan Yue still serves in the Jinwu Guard, but within five years, he is expected to be transferred to the Five Armies Command. With military power in hand, he would become a true loyal minister.
Having returned to life, Jiashan naturally did not intend to merely change her husband. After experiencing everything in her previous life, she had come to understand that as long as Zhuang Fei and her son held power, she would never have a good future. Instead, she decided to leverage her knowledge of future events to seize the initiative.
Thinking this, Jiashan smiled faintly and instructed Su Yu, "Although the summer heat has passed, I still feel a stuffy warmth in the air."
"The people of the Jinwu Guard have been standing all day; they must be tired. Later, take a few palace servants and share some of our palace’s provisions. Send some peppermint mung bean soup to Zhan Daren to help relieve the heat."
Su Yu was taken aback. The Jinwu Guard was the Emperor’s personal guard!
What was the Princess planning?
After pondering for a moment, Su Yu asked softly, "Your Highness, although this is a kind gesture, might it not be a bit too abrupt?"
Jiashan smiled gently, "It won't be."
"I understand what you mean." Jiashan's smile remained unconcerned, her gaze straightforward. "Don’t worry. Even if Father knows, he won’t say anything."
"You can do this openly and aboveboard." Jiashan deliberately emphasized the words "openly and aboveboard."
Su Yu nodded lightly, "Yes, Your Highness."
Sure enough, during the evening meal, someone reported the matter to Emperor Zhanghe.
Emperor Zhanghe was enjoying the Tianxi cakes that Jiashan had respectfully sent from the small kitchen of Fengyang Pavilion. Upon hearing the report, he merely chuckled. "Pei family eldest son did well in his exams, and today she got what she wanted from me."
"Zhan Yanqing and the others are just benefiting from her favor."
The person reporting this understood that the Emperor was indifferent to the matter and naturally allowed Jiashan to do as she pleased.
However, there were those who thought differently, and some even harbored intense hatred towards Jiashan for this, gnashing their teeth in anger.
"That wretch." Zhuang Fei , upon hearing of Jiashan’s actions, immediately assumed she was trying to win favor.
Zhuang Fei, filled with resentment, said to her attendant, "She’s truly lawless, even daring to meddle with the Jinwu Guard!"
The Jinwu Guard not only managed the Emperor’s personal security but also oversaw criminal cases. Even the most favored prince, Zhao Youcheng, had to show deference to the commanders of the Jinwu Guard.
The more Zhuang Fei thought about it, the more indignant she became. She slammed her tea cup on the table and, took a deep breath, then asked, "Did the Emperor really say nothing about this?"
By now, the little palace maids had been dismissed, leaving only a few trusted confidantes. However, still wary of eavesdroppers, Dou Mama replied softly, "After all, she is the Eldest Princess. The Emperor would not reprimand her."
"And what about Zhan Daren? Did he show any response?" Zhuang Fei pursued.
Dou Mama shook her head, "No, nothing has been heard."
A cold gleam flashed in Zhuang Fei’s eyes, "She’s indeed fortunate."
"Unfortunately," Zhuang Fei added with a cold smile, her tone carrying a hint of schadenfreude, "she was born in the wrong body, as a girl."
Dou Mama's face also showed a faint smile, the fine lines around her eyes becoming more evident, "If not for being a girl, the Eldest Princess wouldn’t enjoy such favor from the Emperor."
"Niangniang need not concern yourself with her."
A smile appeared on Zhuang Fei’s lips.
"Sometimes I wonder," Zhuang Fei sipped her tea, gradually calming down, and smiled, "Mama, do you think Princess Jiashan is truly fortunate or not?"
Dou Mama exchanged a knowing look with Zhuang Fei and answered lightly, "In my humble opinion, she is not fortunate."
Dou Mama’s words clearly pleased Zhuang Fei, whose smile deepened. She asked with interest, "How so?"
Dou Mama’s expression showed a mix of pride and disdain. She chuckled softly and whispered, "Though the Fourth Prince holds the legitimate status, he has a disability and has never been favored by the Emperor."
"No matter how much the Eldest Princess is loved by the Emperor, she can never become a prince." Dou Mama smirked, "So what if she enjoys some glory now?"
Zhuang Fei laughed brightly, "Mama, you are absolutely right."
"A beauty born in vain," Zhuang Fei's smile grew more radiant, her elegant face full of allure.
Thinking of the Fourth Prince, her smile widened. Zhuang Fei's lips moved softly, and she said slowly, "But, unfortunately, he is blind."
Dou Mama’s lips also curved with arrogance as she refilled Zhuang Fei’s tea. Both mistress and servant basked in their own self-satisfaction.
Unbeknownst to Jiashan, Zhuang Fei had been secretly slandering her.
After dinner, Jiashan wandered around the storeroom in Fengyang Pavilion. She received a monthly allowance, which, though modest, had sufficed while she was in the palace. Only after leaving the palace to establish her own residence did she realize how many places there were to spend money outside.
Though not in a hurry to marry, Jiashan already felt a sense of urgency. Having money made things easier, and she knew she needed to be prepared.
With this in mind, she led a few palace maids to her treasure trove.
Every year on her birthday, the concubines from various palaces, the wives of noble families, and her maternal uncle’s Pei family would send many fine gifts. However, she couldn’t just sell others' gifts for money…
While Jiashan was frowning with worry, Su Yu, who had just returned from delivering refreshments to the Jinwu Guard, reported back. “Your Highness, when I placed the soup in the Jinwu Guard’s duty room, Zhan Daren happened to be there.”
Jiashan acknowledged with a "hum" and, after a moment’s thought, asked, “Did he say anything?”
Su Yu shook her head, looking slightly embarrassed. She then produced a small package wrapped in paper from her bosom.
“Zhan Daren only asked me to bring this to you,” Su Yu said hesitantly, handing it to Jiashan.
Curious, Jiashan took the package and slowly untied the strings binding it. Inside were several pieces of something about three inches long and one inch wide, a pale milky white in color, looking quite appetizing. They appeared to be coated with a layer of starch, giving off a delightful buttery aroma.
Jiashan had never seen such a thing before and couldn’t help but ask, “What is this?”
Mama Zheng leaned in and smiled, “This is guandong candy.”
Upon hearing it was candy, Jiashan merely said, “Oh,” thinking to herself that Zhan Yanqing must have been treating her like a child. She handed it to Su Yu, saying, “I don’t like sweets. You can have it.”
Noticing Jiashan’s indifferent expression, Su Yu had no choice but to accepted it, but dared not eat it.
That night, as Su Yu was keeping vigil in the outer chamber, she heard Jiashan calling for her. She quickly threw on her robe and rushed in.
Jiashan, with her delicate brows and smooth, fair skin, looked even more striking without her ornate hairpins and jewelry, her beauty now understated and elegant.
Su Yu dared not look too closely and asked softly, “What are your orders, Your Highness?”
“Where is the guandong candy I gave you?” Jiashan straightforwardly extended her fair hand, palm up. “Give it back to me.”
Expecting this, Su Yu had refrained from eating it. She handed over the guandong candy. Jiashan said, “Alright, you may go.”
Then she added, “Don’t tell anyone.”
Su Yu hurriedly replied, “Yes, Your Highness.”
Jiashan took the bag of guandong candy and gave it a little shake. Resting her cheek on her hand, she mused, “I’ll just try one to see what it tastes like, then I’ll share the rest with them.”
She popped a piece of the guandong candy into her mouth, the buttery sweetness filling her taste buds. She bit into it, but before she could fully savor the taste, the candy was gone. So Jiashan tried another…
The next morning, when Su Yu and the others came to help Jiashan wash and dress, they found only an empty paper bag on the table. All the guandong candy had vanished.
Feigning ignorance, Jiashan said, “Su Yu, how did you like the candy I gave you last night?” Su Yu, catching on, replied, “It was delicious.” Jiashan smiled, “Was it fragrant?” Su Yu, despite her embarrassment, said, “Very fragrant.” Jiashan smiled warmly.
In her previous life, Jiashan hadn’t had many dealings with Zhan Yue. Although she married into the Duke of Anguo’s household, she spent most of her time in her own princess's mansion.
There were even several occasions when Jiashan attended family banquets at the Duke’s residence, only to find Zhan Yue absent.
By then, the matriarch and patriarch of the Duke’s household had passed away, and the household was managed by Jiashan’s in-laws, Zhan Yue’s elder brother and sister-in-law.
Zhan Yue had recently been promoted to Commander of the Five Armies, and seemed to be busy with military duties, seldom returning home. Since the Duke’s family didn’t bring it up, Jiashan didn’t either.
Only once had Zhan Yue left a deep impression on Jiashan.
It was shortly after the passing of the Emperor. After paying their respects and seeing the Emperor's coffin out of the palace, Jiashan, supported by Su Yu and others, slowly made her way back towards her residence.
Unexpectedly, at Dongzhi Gate, she encountered Zhan Yue, who was then the Left Commander.
Zhan Yue was not alone; a subordinate dressed in a third-rank military officer's uniform accompanied him. The officer looked both humble and respectful, seemingly reporting something to Zhan Yue.
Jiashan recognized the officer as the newly appointed commander of the Jinwu Guard.
Reflecting on Zhan Yue's long tenure at the Jinwu Guard and his current command of a significant military force, Jiashan knew he was someone even the new Emperor relied on heavily.
Mustering her energy, Jiashan greeted him, “Greetings, Commander Zhan.”
Zhan Yue nodded slightly to her, his tone calm, “Your Highness, please take care of your health.”
Jiashan was momentarily stunned. After Zhao Youcheng ascended to the throne, few people refrained from kicking her while she was down. Even fewer still showed genuine concern for her well-being.
Jiashan nodded lightly, accepting his good intentions. But Zhan Yue continued, “During his final moments, I had the honor of attending to the late Emperor. I heard him mention Your Highness.” His voice was gentle and soothing like a spring breeze, causing Jiashan to pause.
She looked up, inadvertently meeting Zhan Yue's gaze.
Zhan Yue stood over eight feet tall, towering over the military officer beside him by at least half a head.
Despite his imposing stature and the lethal sword he carried, Zhan Yue possessed striking features—red lips, white teeth, a complexion like early spring. If not for the sword, he would have seemed like a flawless piece of jade.
At that time, Jiashan had been married to Zhan Shaoying for eight years and was twenty-four years old, with Zhan Shaoying being two years older than her, showing signs of age. In contrast, this Commander Zhan, despite being Zhan Shaoying’s elder at thirty-three, still looked exceptionally handsome and youthful, as if time had yet to leave its mark on him.
No wonder she had heard many times that those who sent beautiful concubines to Commander Zhan had their gifts returned untouched. Perhaps he found enough pleasure just looking at himself.
Snapping out of her reverie, Jiashan asked with a bitter smile, “Is that so? What did my father say about me?”
Zhan Yue pursed his lips slightly, his gaze lingering on Jiashan for a moment. After a brief pause, he said, “The late Emperor mentioned, ‘Jiashan is still without a child. After I am gone, who will continue to protect my child…’.”
Jiashan struggled to hold back the lump in her throat, lowering her eyes as a mix of warmth and sorrow filled her heart. Zhan Yue, however, stood motionless, his gaze as cold as everlasting snow on a mountain peak, devoid of warmth.
Dusting off her skirt, Jiashan choked out, “I understand your message, Daren.” Regardless of whether the words were true, Zhan Yue's intention was genuine.
“Thank you, Daren.” Jiashan turned her head, her voice hoarse, “I will take care of myself.”
Zhan Yue finally responded with a brief “Hmm.” Then, Jiashan thought she heard him sigh softly.
Her resolve almost crumbled at that sigh.
Barely managing to bid farewell, Jiashan walked out of Dongzhi Gate without looking back.
As for what Zhan Yue felt after her departure—whether pity, lament, or sorrow—Jiashan could not know. From that moment on, their paths never crossed again.
Occasionally, she heard news of Zhan Yue’s continued success and unwavering favor from the Emperor, his reputation and prestige in the military growing by the day.
In contrast, Jiashan was not as fortunate. She couldn’t even keep the promise she had made to him.
For within a year, she passed away, her life ending like a delicate flower crushed underfoot.