New Song Dynasty: My Wife is an Imperial Princess

In the following days, Wanyan Xun supervised the craftsmen in the quartermaster department to build an improved woodworking lathe, and he didn't bother Tang Qian again. Wanyan Xi also seemed to have forgotten about Tang Qian's existence, which allowed Tang Qian and Zhao Yingluo to enjoy a few days of undisturbed comfort.

It's not that Wanyan Xi had absolutely no intention of meeting Tang Qian.

Just as Tang Qian had predicted, after the first batch of glass from Youzhou became a hot seller in Liaoyang, she received several invitations from powerful figures in various cities.

The Seventh Princess naturally knew that all these people were after her glass workshop.

Having already witnessed the Emperor's arrival, they naturally wouldn't rush to join the commotion. Presumably, after learning of the Emperor's return to Liaoyang, these people should have appeared by now.

Princess's residence had been making preparations to receive these powerful figures whom even Wanyan Xi did not want to offend. Meanwhile, the machine that Wanyan Wuqimai had Tang Qian develop had also been a source of great trouble for him for quite some time. Wanyan Xi did not want to cause any more trouble at this critical juncture.

If their affair were to reach Liaoyang through the Emperor's spies, even if Tang Qian were exceptionally talented, he would likely be unable to quell the Emperor's wrath.

During the brief period of calm, Youzhou City welcomed its first distinguished guest from Liaoyang: Wanyan Ling, the eldest sister of Wanyan Xiyi and the fourth princess of the Jin Dynasty.

After welcoming Wanyan Ling into the princess's residence, the two sisters took their seats as host and guest respectively. Wanyan Xi instructed the servants to serve tea: "Sister, you have only been married for a short time. You should be staying by your husband's side and enjoying each other's company. You really shouldn't have traveled all the way to my Youzhou City."

Wanyan Ling glanced at her younger sister, her tone reproachful but her face full of doting: "You're so young and still unmarried, yet you're already teasing your older sister. Your brother-in-law is just a rough man. Besides, our marriages were all arranged by our father, so there was never any real affection between us. It's better if we don't interfere with each other."

Turning her head to look at the tin charcoal stove radiating heat from the corner of the hall and the transparent glass embedded in the window frame, Wanyan Ling suddenly smiled faintly, "Ever since my younger sister came to Youzhou, she has always been able to produce some wonderful things that I have never seen before. I want to see what treasures my younger sister has dug up here."

"There are no real treasures, but my sister has found a peerless talent."

"Is he the Song man who forged the iron charcoal stove and glass?" Wanyan Xi seemed to be quite guileless, bringing up the man without needing prompting, which saved Wanyan Ling a lot of trouble. "I am indeed quite interested in this man. May I invite him over to meet you, sister?"

Seeing that Wanyan Xi was just smiling and not speaking, Wanyan Ling immediately explained, "Don't worry, sister, I have no other intentions. You got this person from Father, so I wouldn't dare to keep him for myself. I just want to see what kind of magic he has."

"I'm afraid I'll disappoint my sister." Wanyan Xi didn't plan to let Tang Qian come to see the Fourth Princess. Her sister was quite cunning, and if she discovered the secret between the two of them, it would inevitably cause trouble. "Tang Qian has received the Emperor's decree and is currently studying the design and manufacture of woodworking machinery. This is the most crucial moment. If he is delayed because of this, and the Emperor blames him, I'm afraid no one can afford to be offended."

Wanyan Ling came to Youzhou for two reasons: first, to discuss with her sister the possibility of selling glass together; and second, because she had heard from her mother that her seventh sister had developed inappropriate feelings for Tang Qian, and she wanted to give this clueless Tang Qian a warning. However, Wanyan Xi used her father as a shield. With Wanyan Wuqimai's decree, she was in a difficult position to meet Wanyan Xi's beloved.

“Since that’s the case, then let’s leave it at that for today. I’m going to stay in Youzhou for a while, and there’s plenty of time in the future.” Wanyan Ling changed the subject and became interested in the Song princess who had come to marry into the Jin Dynasty. “I heard that this princess is currently in Youzhou City. Could you please call her over so I can take a look at her?”

This time, Wanyan Xi did not make any excuses to refuse. Xiao Li accepted the order and left the mansion to go to the Tang family's courtyard across the street. She told Zhao Yingluo that the princess invited her to come to the mansion for a chat. Zhao Yingluo did not dare to be negligent. After tidying her appearance, she followed Xiao Li out.

Along the way, Xiao Li repeatedly warned, "Never say what you shouldn't say." Zhao Yingluo was quick-witted and knew her limits. The two quickly passed through the gate of the mansion and arrived at the reception hall where the two Jin princesses were.

Seeing Zhao Yingluo perform a grand salute to her without any airs of a princess of the Song Dynasty, Wanyan Ling was very satisfied with her humble attitude: "It is said that the Song Dynasty is a land of outstanding people and beautiful women, and every princess born into the Zhao family has a stunning appearance. Seeing this sister Yingluo today, it is clear that the rumors are true."

"Fourth Princess, you flatter me. I am humbled. I am now married and I am not worthy of the title of Princess of the Great Song Dynasty."

Wanyan Ling nodded. Zhao Yingluo's marriage partner was Tang Qian, the one Wanyan Xi had been longing for. She had heard her mother mention it. Wanyan Xie also gave her to that boy, which was a lucky accident that broke the seventh sister's heart.

“A princess is a princess. Even if she is married, she is still a member of the Song Dynasty’s royal family. Why should Your Highness feel inferior to us?” Wanyan Ling’s eyes suddenly curved into a delighted smile. “I have always heard that the women of the Song Dynasty are all beautiful and intelligent, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. I have lived in Liaoyang City for a long time, but I don’t know if it is true or not. Your Highness, could you show us your skills so that my sisters and I can be truly impressed?”

Faced with Wanyan Ling's blatant humiliation, Zhao Yingluo was not angry at all. Instead, she smiled and declined, saying, "The princess summoned me just now, and I came in a hurry, so I did not bring my musical instruments."

“It’s alright.” Before Zhao Yingluo could finish speaking, Wanyan Ling interrupted her, “My sister has loved the customs and culture of your Great Song Dynasty since she was a child. She has a guqin in her room, so just have someone bring it out.”

Looking up at Wanyan Xi standing behind the Fourth Princess, Zhao Yingluo saw that the other party was giving her a silent reply. After a brief exchange, Zhao Yingluo nodded in agreement: "Since the Fourth Princess likes to hear it, then this humble woman will make a fool of herself."

Sitting down at the zither table, Zhao Yingluo smiled and said, "I just happened to have some free time these past few days, and my husband composed a new piece. It would be fitting for Your Highness to play it now. However, I am not yet proficient, so please forgive me if I make any mistakes."

"A piece composed by Tang Qian?" This time, Wanyan Ling was not surprised, but Wanyan Xi's eyes began to light up.

“That’s right.” Zhao Yingluo nodded. “My husband said that this piece of music is accompanied by a story. Would Your Highness like to hear it?”