203話 再出発
「え、なに......?」
たちと刑部でこのような可能性について会話をしたのは、そう昔ではない。
だが徐自身は、宮妓の身分からの解放を、ありえない話だとでも考えていたのかもしれない。
そんな徐に、太子が微笑みかける。
「さらにはこれまで陛下や私の耳を楽しませてくれた礼として、恩給と内城に屋敷を授ける。
太子がそう告げるのと同時に、控えていた官吏が進み出て徐に書面を差し出す。
「あ、ありがとう、ございます......」
徐は震える手で目の前の書面を受け取りつつも、なんとか感謝の言葉だけは絞り出せたが、まだどこかフワフワとした様子である。
の方はもっと事態がわかっていないのだろう、「皇帝陛下」と「恩赦」という単語に、目を白黒させている。
そんな二人に、太子は語りかける。
「そなたのこれまでの苦労は私も耳にしており、皇帝陛下からお言葉を預かっている。
「なんと、陛下が全てを見通していらっしゃったなんて......!」
太子が皇帝からの言伝を告げると、徐は感極まった表情になる。
――その言伝を預けたお人って、この場にちゃっかりいるんですけどねぇ。
けれど今の場の雰囲気を壊さないためにも、きっと口に出してはいけないことなのだろう。
事実、この弔いに参列した兵士たちは皆、なんとも言えない顔をしている。
きっと「すぐそこにいるぞ」と言いたいのを堪えているに違いない。
そんな一同の心境をよそに、太子がさらに徐に言う。
「そして教坊から、徐子に師範となってほしいという要望がある。
恩赦になっても、徐を師範にするという教坊の話は生きていたようだ。
それだけ、徐の作曲の才能が類まれなものなのだろう。
今日の演奏を聴けば、雨妹も無理はないと納得である。
そして屋敷を貰えて仕事もあるとなると、徐の今後の生活は安泰が約束されているということだ。
「......なんと、光栄なことでございます、太子殿下、そして皇帝陛下、ありがとうございます、ありがとうございます......!」
徐は涙で顔をぐしゃぐしゃにしながら、朱と共に額を地面にこすりつけるようにして叩頭した。
教坊にある徐の荷物は、これからも出入りするのだから、少しずつ持ち出せばいいことである。
貰った屋敷だって後日確認しに行けばいい。
きっと徐は、もうこの後の人生なんて考えずに、琵琶の演奏に挑んだのだろう。
きっと手がボロボロに痛んでるだろうから、また治療に励んでほしいものだ。
ばつの悪そうな顔をしている徐だが、言葉遣いがまたこちらに戻っている。
もう長いところこの話し方で通したのだから、こちらの方が今の自分らしいと、そういうことらしい。
それに、その目元は泣きすぎてすっかり赤くなっている。
けれど、うれし泣きはいくらでもすればいいのだ。
Chapter 203: Fresh Start
"Eh, what...?"
It was not so long ago that Yui Mei Libin, Libin and the personnel of the Ministry of Justice were discussing the possibility of this scenario.
However, it never crossed Xu's mind; she probably thought she'd only be released from being a court courtesan when pigs fly.
The crown prince looked over Xu with a smile.
"Moreover, as a reward for letting His Majesty and I enjoy such wonderful music until now, you have been granted pension and a mansion. Here, receive the inventory list."
The moment the crown prince said those words, the eunuch on standby stepped forward and presented a document to Xu.
"T-Thank you, thank you very much."
Xu received the list with trembling hands. She could only manage to stammer her thanks in a daze.
As for Zhu, he was extremely confused at the turn of events, his eyes wide as saucers at the mention of 'His Majesty' and 'amnesty'.
The crown prince continued talking to the two of them.
"Your trials and hardships that you've experienced until now also reached my ears, and His Majesty had also declared his will. He said, 'It is not too late to pursue your happiness. It'd be good for both of you to spend a long time catching up with everything you missed with each other'."
"H-His Majesty, His Majesty had already anticipated everything...!"
Xu was extremely shocked upon hearing the words of the emperor from the crown prince.
'Eh, but you know, the one who declared all that stuff is right here with us, hehe...'
Unfortunately, in order not to break the mood in this place, Yui Mei had to restrain herself so she wouldn't actually blurt that out loud.
In fact, the other soldiers who participated in the burial ceremony had cramped expressions.
They probably also wanted to point at him and say 'he's right there', but they're trying their best to endure.
The crown prince ignored the mental state of everyone present, and continued on.
"Moreover, the Jiaofang had also wished for Xu to be one of their instructors. I also wish to enjoy your lute's profound music, so please accept it, Xu Zi."
Despite the amnesty granted, Jiaofang still intended for Xu to be the master teacher.
Indeed, it's a testament to Xu's exceptional talent for composition.
Yui Mei didn't find it surprising at all, given that she also experienced for herself how much of a genius Xu is after listening to her performance.
If Xu has a house and a job, she's guaranteed a stable and secure life in the future.
"...What an honor it would be. Your Highness the Crown Prince, His Majesty the Emperor, we're so grateful, thank you very much!"
Xu's tears streaked down her cheeks once again, making her face a mess, and together with Zhu, she kowtowed to the ground.
Xu will still be entering the Jiaofang from time to time, so she could bring her things back bit by bit.
They could also check the estate granted to them the day after.
Xu must've abandoned all consideration for her life after the performance and had gone all out to play the lute.
Her hands must be extremely painful now, so Yui Mei wanted her to be treated once again.
Xu seemed a bit embarrassed, but her manner of speech reverted back to its casualness.
She's been used to this manner for so long, so it's probably her default way by now.
Moreover, the rim of her eyes had turned red from all that crying.
But then, it doesn't matter how much you cry if the tears are from joy.
Housekeeper of the Hundred Blossom Palace
百花宮のお掃除係～転生した新米宮女、後宮のお悩み解決します。
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/housekeeper-of-the-hundred-blossom-palace/
Fantasy Romance Shoujo Slice of Life
Adapted to Manga Ancient China Complex Family Relationships Different Social Status Female Protagonist Imperial Harem Love Interest Falls in Love First Reincarnated in Another World Royalty
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4104ev/
黒辺あゆみ