Chapter 65

Chapter 65: The Maple Trees of Nanshan (1)

Amidst the undercurrents, the wife of Prince De brought out a box and opened it in front of everyone, revealing two exquisitely made quilts, with gold stands and crystal cups.

"Finally, the Union Cups are brought out. We’ve been waiting for a long time!"

"Haha! Quick, call the Prince over, this is his big moment!"

"Exactly!"

A group of young ministers and nobles jovially egged each other on, causing Ziyu to stare at the pair of cups in astonishment, not immediately grasping what was happening.

Leng Jiu, observing this, laughed to herself, certain that the young man must have known he couldn’t openly offer her the Union Cup, so he craftily made another pair and took advantage of her confusion to claim his prize. She imagined how pleased he must be now.

Soon, Hua Jinzhi was ushered forward by his peers. Although pushed, they didn't dare be too forceful. Semi-resisting, he was led to Prince De's wife, who cheerfully said, "Jinzhi, feel free to choose any girl. No matter who she is, I will not object."

Amidst expectant gazes, Hua Jinzhi abruptly closed the lid of the box, "I have yet to find someone special. Mother, let’s save these cups for when I marry, to be used on my wedding night."

"Haha! Is the Prince planning to save his first time for his future wife?" the comment, deliberately hushed due to the Emperor's presence, was still heard by many.

Hua Jinzhi glanced at Leng Jiu and kicked the teasing minister, "Get lost!"

The crowning ceremony concluded in the afternoon, and Leng Jiu left for the palace ahead of others, feeling the need to sleep off the alcohol she consumed.

"Empress Dowager!"

Just as Leng Jiu was about to board her carriage, Gong Yumicro's voice unexpectedly rang out. She paused, not turning around, "Is there something you need, Prime Minister?"

"I do have matters to discuss with the Empress Dowager. May I request a moment of your time?" His voice was cool and emotionless, like an ordinary conversation.

Leng Jiu, gripping the carriage curtain, "I'm sorry, I’m not available today..."

"Xiao Jiu!" His tone no longer cold, the emotional undertone in 'Xiao Jiu' halted Leng Jiu from stepping into the carriage.

Two quarters later, in the Sushang Pavilion, Leng Jiu chose a secluded chamber. She let Ziyu guard outside while she entered. She had changed out of her formal attire, still in luxurious clothes but not immediately revealing her status.

Leng Jiu gazed outside the window, for some reason feeling hesitant to face Gong Yumicro.

Gong Yumicro poured her a cup of tea, "Have some tea! You drank quite a bit just now."

"No need! Just speak your mind," Leng Jiu said, looking down slightly.

Gong Yumicro paused, "Xiao Jiu wouldn’t speak to me like this."

Finally turning to face him, Leng Jiu looked at him deeply: "You already know who I am, so why..."

"So what if I know?" Gong Yumicro's gaze was calm, an unfamiliar demeanor to her, devoid of coldness and shyness. "Whether you're Xiao Jiu or the Empress Dowager, you are still you."

Leng Jiu awkwardly changed the subject: "You made up a fiancée to Emperor Long, can you really produce one?"

"It's not made up. I do have a fiancée. Even if she doesn't acknowledge it, it's enough that I do." Gong Yumicro's direct gaze bore into Leng Jiu, his meaning clear.

Leng Jiu didn't understand how a single blow could change someone so much. His words weighed heavily on her, and after a long pause, she said softly, "What if she never acknowledges or agrees to you?"

"Then I shall remain unmarried for life."

"Unmarried for life!" Leng Jiu, leaning against the pillow, replayed Gong Yumicro's words in her mind. He didn't speak with finality or swear an oath, yet his statement felt more solid than any vow. That man could say it and do it, and the thought of him being unmarried for her sake made her wonder how she could ever deserve such devotion.

"Ziyu! Bring me those wines!"

Ziyu, seeing her state, hesitated to advise: "Empress Dowager! You've already had quite a bit today, maybe no more?"

"Just go get it, will you? Why so much talk?" Leng Jiu said impatiently.

Ziyu pouted and reluctantly went to fetch the wine.

Leng Jiu downed a cup in one gulp, dissatisfied: "Tasteless! Why so bland?"

"This is chrysanthemum wine, not very strong, suitable for ladies!"

"No! Bring me a jar of Zhu Ye Qing!"

"Empress Dowager! You shouldn't drink such strong liquor!" Ziyu insisted.

Leng Jiu grabbed her hand: "I'm in a bad mood and want to drink, the stronger the better!"

Ziyu knew her mood was off, especially after meeting with Prime Minister Gong: "If you're upset, I can tell you a joke, or we can go out to see the flowers. The chrysanthemums in the Hundred Flowers Garden are in full bloom, including the golden silk and ink chrysanthemums!"

"No! I just want to drink!" Leng Jiu pouted like a child craving candy: "If you won't bring it, I'll get it myself. Bring two jars!"

Ziyu, exasperated: "Alright, alright! I'm scared of you now, I'll go get it for you, okay?"

"Hmm! Ziyu is the best!"

Ziyu, shaking her head, gets up to leave. Soon, she returns with a jar of Zhu Ye Qing. On opening it, the strong aroma nearly makes her faint. "Empress Dowager! Are you really going to drink this?"

Leng Jiu, unimpressed: "Nonsense! What else would I do with it?"

Leng Jiu has Ziyu bring a large bowl and pours the Zhu Ye Qing into it. She downs it in large gulps, the fiery liquor burning like a knife from her tongue down her throat.

One bowl, two, three... Ziyu watches in alarm, but Leng Jiu doesn't stop, downing half a jar in no time. Ziyu, unable to watch anymore, grabs the jar: "You can't drink any more!"

Leng Jiu, finishing the last drop in her bowl, licks her lips, eyes hazy: "If I don't drink, then you drink!"

Ziyu, in tears: "I don't drink alcohol!"

Leng Jiu, relentless: "Either you drink, or I drink. That's an order!"

Ziyu, clutching the jar, wishes she could hide inside it. Faced with Leng Jiu reaching for the jar again, she gives in: "I'll drink!"

"Good, good! Drink up!" Leng Jiu watches her with watery eyes, a smile on her face.

Ziyu, almost biting off her tongue in regret, feels dizzy just holding the jar. Yet under Leng Jiu's gaze, she pours a bowl, hoping to end the torment quickly, and downs it in one go, but then...