Chapter 96

Chapter 96: The Fragrance of Orchids, The Solitude of Ze Lan (5)

"His Majesty has arrived!" A sudden shout startled the concubines in the Imperial Garden. They hurriedly straightened their attire and stood up, greeting the approaching Emperor in his imperial yellow robe, "Greetings to Your Majesty!"

"Rise," said the Emperor.

Emperor Long Yi strode forward, followed by Lan Ze in light blue. Their arrival instantly captivated everyone present. Although all were his consorts, they couldn't help but take extra glances at Lan Ze, whose mere presence attracted attention.

"Your concubines greet Your Majesty!"

"Lan Xiang greets Your Majesty!"

"At ease," Emperor Long Yi gestured with a wave of his hand, his gaze sweeping over Hua Yuxuan and lingering on Lan Xiang before finally resting on Leng Jiu, "I didn't expect to see Your Highness here as well."

Leng Jiu, seated comfortably, looked up and responded to the Emperor, "I haven't visited the harem in some time. Noble Consort Hua’s banquet seemed like a good occasion to join in the festivities."

Emperor Long Yi glanced at her meaningfully, "The Empress Dowager should consider visiting more often to familiarize herself with the harem."

Leng Jiu chuckled softly, lowering her gaze, "I prefer peace and quiet. Staying in the Weiyang Palace suits me well."

Chairs were brought in, and Emperor Long Yi and Lan Ze took their seats. Seeing the Emperor's mood lighten slightly, Noble Consort Hua instructed the servants to begin serving the banquet, which consisted of drinks, desserts, fruits, and other refreshments rather than a full meal.

Having achieved her purpose for attending, Leng Jiu didn’t wish to linger longer with Emperor Long Yi and Noble Consort Hua present. She left the banquet shortly after it started, with Lan Xiang following her. Only Lan Ze had to stay behind to accompany the Emperor.

Emperor Long Yi watched Leng Jiu's retreating figure, then glanced at Lan Xiang, remaining silent.

Once they were far enough away, Lan Xiang said to Leng Jiu, "The Emperor's gaze towards you was somewhat strange, and his words were odd too. I don't quite understand."

Leng Jiu, looking ahead, replied, "You don’t need to understand these matters. Just pretend you didn’t see anything."

Seeing that Leng Jiu didn't wish to elaborate, Lan Xiang didn't press further and accompanied her back to Weiyang Palace. There, Leng Jiu ordered a meal, and they dined together. Lan Xiang lightened the atmosphere by sharing amusing stories from the Snow Kingdom and proudly recounting how Lan Ze consolidated power and dealt with the princes.

When Lan Ze arrived to collect Lan Xiang, he saw them chatting happily. Seeing Lan Xiang’s relaxed demeanor, he knew Leng Jiu had persuaded her and felt relieved. He greeted Leng Jiu with a grateful smile, "Greetings, Empress Dowager!"

Leng Jiu looked at him, asking, "Have you dined yet?"

Lan Ze, just back from the Imperial Garden, hadn't eaten. He intended to politely decline, but instead found himself saying, "Not yet."

Leng Jiu looked aside, "Du Heng, serve another lunch!"

"Yes," Du Heng acknowledged and left to carry out the order.

Lan Ze smiled faintly and took a seat beside Leng Jiu, "Thank you, Empress Dowager, for hosting this meal."

Lan Xiang glanced at Lan Ze and continued her animated storytelling, seemingly getting more enthusiastic as she spoke. Leng Jiu occasionally interjected with interest, while Lan Ze listened quietly, occasionally giving Lan Xiang a warning look when she mentioned him, but she ignored it and kept talking. Leng Jiu seemed genuinely interested, and Lan Ze, resigned to the lively conversation, quietly began eating as the meal was served.

Lan Ze never imagined he would have such a tranquil moment with Leng Jiu, let alone share a meal with her. Sitting here now, he was filled with indescribable emotions but didn't know where to begin expressing them.

After finishing the meal, which was mostly dominated by Lan Xiang's chatter, Lan Ze had the dishes cleared away. Throughout, Leng Jiu was a quiet listener. He passed a cup of tea to Lan Xiang, slightly exasperated, "Drink some tea! Aren't you afraid of blistering your tongue with all that talking?"

Lan Xiang stuck out her tongue playfully and took a sip of tea.

"The Emperor seems to have intentions of taking Lan Xiang as a concubine," Lan Ze then turned to Leng Jiu.

Lan Xiang spat out her tea in shock, thankfully turning away in time to avoid spraying Lan Ze. After she regained composure, she set down her cup and protested loudly, "I refuse!"

Lan Ze reassured her, "He only mentioned it in passing. I haven’t agreed yet."

Lan Xiang pleaded with Lan Ze, "Brother, I was wrong. Please don't send me to this palace!"

Leng Jiu lifted her eyes to Lan Xiang and chuckled lightly, "Even if you’re willing, he's not ready to let you go."

Lan Ze frowned slightly, seeming troubled, "But the Emperor's attitude suggests he's quite interested in Lan Xiang. He's been inquiring about her past these days. If he's determined, it won’t be easy for Lan Xiang to escape. Snow Kingdom is a vassal state to Phoenix Imperial; a single imperial edict, and we'll have no choice but to comply."

Regretting her decision to come, Lan Xiang desperately grabbed Leng Jiu's arm, "Please, help me, sister!"

Leng Jiu calmly lifted her teacup, "Saving you is possible."

Lan Xiang’s eyes brightened, "Really?"

Leng Jiu gently moved the cup lid, speaking softly, "Emperor Long Yi originally intended to betroth you to Prince Xuan as his principal wife. Although he seems interested in you now, if you show interest in Prince Xuan or cause some incident with him, he might have to reconsider taking you as a concubine."

Lan Xiang's expression fell, "After all this, you still want me to seduce Prince Xuan!"

Leng Jiu nonchalantly said, "Suit yourself. Frankly, I don't mind another beauty in the harem. Hmm, having someone on par with Hua Yuxuan will make their rivalry quite interesting!"

Lan Xiang, lost for words, asked, "Is this the only solution?"

"That's all I can think of. Believe it or not, it's up to you."

Lan Ze remained silent. He trusted that Leng Jiu wouldn't harm Lan Xiang, and he had no intention of interfering in their agreement.

Lan Ze leaves after a short while, taking the quiet Lan Xiang with him. Leng Jiu trusts she will come to understand.

After seeing off Lan Ze and Lan Xiang, Leng Jiu stands up, "Zi Yu, accompany me to visit Consort Yang. It's been a while since I've shown concern in the harem."

"Yes!" Zi Yu brings a cloak for Leng Jiu and follows with two boxes of prepared supplements.

Du Heng leads Leng Jiu to Consort Yang's quarters. Observing the deserted courtyard, Leng Jiu comments sarcastically on the lack of visitors following Consort Yang's loss of favor.

Du Heng explains how the courtyard was bustling when Consort Yang was pregnant, but after losing the child and the Emperor's neglect, visitors ceased, except for a couple of former acquaintances.