Chapter 7: A Small Banquet

Chapter 7: A Small Banquet

It was autumn, and that day, a refreshing autumn rain had just poured down.

The Fast Rain Pavilion was a row of open pavilions built near the lake. The roof tiles were specially made from glazed porcelain, so when it rained, it sounded like large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate, producing a delightful and crisp melody. Walking under the arcade by the lake, one felt as if they were surrounded by the sound of rain from all directions, creating a poetic atmosphere.

A small banquet had been prepared inside the pavilion. Rong Bi and Han Suyin followed Princess Yi Yang and the Crown Prince. Indeed, they saw several princes and Princess Yuan Yixue, the second princess, already seated within.

In the palace, seniority and respect were highly valued. Upon the arrival of Princess Yi Yang and the Crown Prince, all the princes and princesses stood up to pay their respects. Leading them was Prince Yuan Zhen, the second son of Empress Luo. He was only a year younger than the Crown Prince, with handsome features and an amiable disposition. He smiled as he bowed, "Prince Yuan Zhen pays his respects to Your Highness, the Crown Prince, and to Elder Sister."

Behind him followed three imperial princes. The third prince, Yuan Ya, was only half a year younger than Yuan Zhen. Born to the Noble Consort, he wore a bright pomegranate-red robe, his head adorned with a jade crown and precious sash. His face was as fair as powdered makeup, and his eyes exuded confidence. The two princes trailing behind were still young. The fourth prince, Yuan Yu, aged twelve, was also born to Empress Luo. The fifth prince, Yuan Mo, was the son of the Virtuous Consort, appearing no more than ten years old, still carrying a childlike innocence. All the princes appeared as handsome as jade, each with an elegant demeanor, creating a delightful sight.

In addition to the four princes, there was also the second princess, Yuan Yixue, who had just come of age before the new year. She had yet to receive her title, also being the daughter of Empress Luo. Well-coddled, she now cheerfully exclaimed, "Big Sister is here too! That's great, Prince Jin. We're all here to celebrate your birthday."

Princess Yi Yang smiled. "It's rare for us all to be together. Let's enjoy a lively gathering. Bring some wine, but let the fourth and fifth princes only taste a bit of sweet rice wine. Come, everyone, sit down."

Dishes began to flow like a stream, while Princess Yi Yang instructed Han Suyin to play the pipa by the veranda. She said, "Listening to the pipa alongside the sound of rain is so refined." Smiling, she asked for flower sticks to be brought out. "A drinking game will make it even more enjoyable."

Yuan Ya's gaze seemed glued to Han Suyin as she played the pipa. He smiled and inquired, "Why have I never seen this sister before? When did Prince Jin add such a beautiful lady to his service?"

Han Suyin's face turned slightly pale. Just as she was about to rise to pay her respects, Yuan Yiqing had already chuckled and said, "This is a gift from Empress Dowager to your Crown Prince brother today. Third Brother is still so shallow-minded. With your elder sisters right here, whom are you calling 'sister'? You're the only one sweet-talking at this table. As for Yixue, she's too young to argue with you, but I'll have to teach you a lesson."

Yuan Yixue giggled. "Oh, looks like Elder Sister has come to my rescue today. Normally, Third Brother is so smooth with his words, addressing everyone in the palace as his sisters. Everyone knows that the Third Prince is the most considerate towards women... Just wait until he marries a formidable princess as his wife to keep him in check. Let's see how many good sisters he'll really have then."

All the imperial descendants present couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Feeling awkward, Yuan Ya said, "Elder Sister and Second Sister, please give me some face. It was a slip of the tongue. We're all family today, so I beg of you, don't hold it against me." He kept rising to bow to Yuan Yiqing and Yuan Yixue, his face flushed red, seemingly genuinely ashamed and remorseful.

Han Suyin waved her finger, and the melodious sound of a pipa flowed like a gentle stream, blending with the rain falling from all directions. Hiding behind the instrument, she aimed to fade into the background, hoping to hasten the passing of this embarrassing moment.

Princess Yi Yang smiled and casually took the bamboo tube from Pei Qiu, who stood behind her. She shook it and, turning around with a grin, waved for Rong Bi to come over and hold the tube. "Don't say that your big sister doesn't care for you. Let's start by shaking the toothpicks from you. I have a beauty here to act as the game master, let's see what a good sign you can draw."

Yuan Ya lifted his gaze and was instantly captivated by Rong Bi, his eyes dazzled and his throat dried up. It took him several seconds to regain his composure and speak. "Big Sister truly cares for me. This noble concubine, please give me a favorable sign." Secretly, he exclaimed in his heart, A true vision of loveliness, so pure and enchanting. There is such unparalleled beauty in this world! Gathering all the beauties in the land has always been my aspiration, and yet today I witness a national treasure! To share a bed with this maiden would fulfill my life! Crown Prince never employs accountants, so I'm sure he won't refuse if I ask. With his plan set, he was determined to acquire this beauty.

He tactfully changed her title, but the sharpness of the term pierced Rong Bi's heart. Maintaining her smile, she gazed at these royal descendants and followed Princess Yi Yang's instructions, standing beside Yuan Ya to shake the tube.

Rong Bi shook the tube and drew out a flower sign. Yuan Ya promptly picked up the toothpick and laughed. "Thank you, noble concubine, for granting me the sign. Let me see—sunny days warm, gentle breeze blooms in the imperial garden. This signifies a wealthy and leisurely life, let us all toast together. What a great sign! Thank you, noble concubine!"

Yuan Ya's face lit up with joy, holding his cup as he waited for Rong Bi to pour the wine. He kept smiling at her. "Your surname is Rong? Noble Concubine Rong, please roll the dice for me."

Princess Yi Yang chuckled and said, "Lord Ling, you can't abstain anymore. Everyone has finished their cups. Please roll the dice quickly."

Yuan Ya drank his wine and rolled a five, which happened to pair him with Princess Yi Yang. He clapped his hands in amusement and exclaimed, "We should see what fortune my elder sister draws."

Princess Yi Yang smiled and instructed Rong Bi to shake the lottery drum. Indeed, she drew a toothpick with a poem inscribed on it: "A tiny boat amidst boundless waves, my heart entrusted to seagulls in flight. As a traveler far from home, all relatives at this banquet should drink a cup for safe passage."

Yuan Yixue playfully stuck out her tongue and laughed. "This fortune doesn't seem accurate. Elder Sister is in the capital and holds the dignity of a princess. Where could she possibly travel far to? It's not relevant, not relevant at all."

Princess Yi Yang chuckled and spoke with a boldness uncommon for a woman. "If I were not bound by my gender, where couldn't I go in this vast sky and sea? Rather than being like a caged bird or idle cloud, why not embrace distant travels? Whether it's lucky or not, who here isn't my relative? You can't escape this cup of wine. Come, let's fill our cups." The entire gathering burst into laughter and picked up their glasses.

After everyone had drained their cups, Princess Yi Yang also rolled the dice, scoring a twelve, which pointed directly at Crown Prince Yuan Jun holding the lottery tube.

Yuan Jun, having downed two cups of wine, already had a slight flush on his cheeks. Hearing what Princess Yi Yang said, he was inwardly annoyed. He found the phrase ominous and wondered what his elder sister was planning by involving herself with the maritime merchant families. Unfortunately, he was still young and powerless, often causing her worry.

Rong Bi approached him and took over the lottery tube. Yuan Jun casually drew a slip as she shook it. Looking at it, his expression turned peculiar. "Interesting indeed. In the mountains, detached from worldly affairs, where chickens and dogs idle amid the mulberry and hemp. A guest of Peach Blossom Spring, one who should drink alone. 'Asking Immortals in Peach Blossom Spring,' how intriguing."

All the princes and princesses around the table wore strange expressions but quickly composed themselves. Prince Yuan Zhen chuckled. "Isn't Father seeking immortality every day? Brother Crown Prince is truly carrying on our father's legacy." Slight pride showed on his face, yet inwardly, he mused that being a guest of Peach Blossom Spring was fate. Empress Shen had passed away early, and the Shen family was merely a declining scholarly clan. If Yuan Jun withdrew now, he could be allowed to live in seclusion elsewhere. But if he remained obstinate, it would be a battle to the bitter end.

Yuan Jun felt a mild irritation but concealed it well. He took the dice and rolled an eighteen, indicating that it was now Yuan Zhen's turn to draw a slip.

Rong Bi held the lottery tube and approached Yuan Zhen, shaking it gently before passing it to him. Yuan Zhen drew a slip, his expression altering dramatically upon sight of it. He abruptly turned his head and slapped!

The plucked lute strings came to an abrupt halt, and the room fell silent. Everyone watched as the lottery tube slipped from Rong Bi's grasp, rolling to the edge of the railing. Ivory slips scattered across the floor, while Rong Bi sprawled on the ground, her hair disheveled, half her face marked with a vivid red handprint.

Everyone was stunned. Yuan Ya, known for his fondness for beautiful women, couldn't help but exclaim, "Second Brother, why such harsh treatment? Was there something unsatisfactory about the slip?"

Yuan Zhen's face contorted with shock and anger, but he gradually regained his composure. He glanced at his siblings seated around him. The two younger brothers had stood up in fright, frozen like statues. Yuan Yixue, on the other hand, wore a concerned expression. The Crown Prince, Yuan Jun, sat calmly and detached, his gaze as cold as ice. Their eyes met, and Yuan Zhen shivered, suddenly snapping out of his rage.

Princess Yi Yang said with a wry smile, "What has this servant done to offend you, my dear brother? To warrant your personal intervention in disciplining her — if the servant has done wrong, the Training Bureau is there for correction, and palace rules will handle the matter. Besides, this maid was sent by our mother to celebrate the Crown Prince's birthday. It's her first day serving, and Second Brother's violent reaction doesn't quite uphold propriety."

Yuan Zhen felt a light sweat break out on his back. He knew that he usually prided himself on being mild-mannered and courteous, and this maid had been specifically bestowed by his mother the Empress to the Crown Prince. With such extraordinary beauty, she must have undergone extensive training. He couldn't afford to let his momentary anger disrupt his mother's plans. Swiftly, he pasted a smile back on his face. "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding... I just had a few cups of wine, and it clouded my judgment. I'm not accustomed to servants attending me too closely. When this Consort approached suddenly, I was startled and instinctively tried to push her away. But under the influence of alcohol, I used too much force - how are you, Consort? I have an excellent jade complexion balm in my palace. Fetch it for me to apply to this Consort's injury."

Rong Bi had already risen to her feet, one side of her face swollen. Yet, she bowed her head deeply. "This servant is unharmed and dare not disturb Your Highnesses' enjoyment. It was this servant's fault for not attending to you properly."

Yuan Zhen, relieved by her tact, sighed with relief. "I'm glad you understand." Just as he was about to dismiss her for some rest, Princess Yi Yang chuckled softly from above. "Since there's no issue, then continue attending to your duties."

Yuan Zhen's face flushed with a mixture of red and white, and he cursed silently in his heart: "So this is to let this wretched maid parade around with a facade to humiliate me! Oh well! Let her have her moment of glory for now! I'll see how long she can keep up her arrogance!"

Yuan Zhen's face lit up with a renewed smile. "Then let me draw another slip, brother. Just now, I didn't hold it steady and it fell. I didn't even get a chance to see it clearly."

By now, Yuan Yixue had realized something. She supposed that the fortune she drew earlier wasn't a favorable one. After all, they were siblings from the same mother. If she drew another unfavorable fortune, her second brother would undoubtedly be even more upset.

She knew well that her second brother, despite his outward elegance, was fiercely competitive. Be it playing chess or any other game, he would never willingly yield to her, his sister from the same mother. Now, she couldn't allow him to lose control any further. Swiftly, she covered up her concern with a smile and suggested, "I see that many of these ivory sticks have fallen and gotten dirty. Why not play something else? How about a game of Hidden Hook?"

Observing Rong Bi collecting the stick tube and standing quietly behind with a swollen, flushed face, Yuan Ya felt a surge of compassion. "Hidden Hook is indeed more fun with stakes involved. But usually, we just punish the loser with drinking or small sums of money - rather uninteresting. In my opinion, let's set a novel prize."

Princess Yi Yang noticed Yuan Ya's unwavering gaze on Rong Bi and curved her lips. "What kind of stake does Third Brother think would make the game enjoyable?"

Yuan Ya put away his fan and pointed at Rong Bi. "Let this beautiful Palace Lady be the prize!"