Header Background Image
    The world's first crowdsourcing-driven asian bl novel translation community
    Chapter Index

    Chapter 8: Concealed Hook

    The atmosphere in the room fell silent, and Yuan Yixue finally realized the situation. She chuckled and said, "No matter how much Third Brother dotes on beauty, this person was just gifted to Crown Prince by our mother. I recently acquired a rare stallion, offspring of an Akhal-Teke breed. How about using it as the prize for the game?"

    Yuan Ya dismissed the idea, saying, "What's the point of a horse? I'm not fond of hunting. Our mother treats us all equally. If she knew we were getting along, she'd be delighted." He was already tipsy, his senses clouded by the beauty before him. Moreover, Yuan Jun had always been kind to him, so he clung stubbornly to his desire, fueled by the alcohol. "Crown Prince, just tell me, shall we? Whoever guesses the one hiding the hook correctly wins!"

    Yuan Yixue gritted her teeth secretly, cursing the foolish troublemaker inwardly but knowing there was nothing she could do. His mother was a noble concubine, and he openly showed no interest in the throne. Hence, his pursuit of beauty was considered normal for a prince. If he were fond of books or politics, that would be a problem. Thus, despite his excessive behavior, everyone tacitly allowed it. If the Crown Prince gained praise for filial piety and the Third Prince won the beauty, it would be a win-win situation, wouldn't it?

    Looking at Rong Bi with her head bowed, Yuan Jun smiled slightly. "It's just a game among siblings. Mother won't be harsh. Besides, everyone has come to celebrate my birthday. As the host, it's my duty to ensure everyone has fun. Winning the prize requires guessing correctly three times. Among our seven siblings..."

    He glanced at Rong Bi again and smiled. "We're one short. Since it involves Court Lady Rong, let her join the teams. The team that correctly guesses three times first will win the prize - which team would Court Lady Rong like to join?"

    Rong Bi lifted her gaze, her eyes clear as water, meeting Yuan Jun's gaze directly. "As an attendant dispatched by the Palace Ladies Bureau to serve His Highness the Crown Prince, I naturally have to fulfill my duties. I'll be on Crown Prince's team."

    Yuan Jun's eyes shifted away slightly, unsure why, upon seeing her overly composed gaze. With the mark on her face from the earlier insult, yet still composed and calm, she seemed indifferent to the fact that her fate might be decided in a game.

    Princess Yi Yang laughed. "A truly loyal and dedicated servant. Let's draw lots to divide into teams then."

    Pei Qiu promptly brought the lottery bowl. Soon, everyone had drawn their lots. Princess Yi Yang, Yuan Zhen, Yuan Ya, and Yuan Yu formed one team, while Yuan Jun, Yuan Mo, Yuan Yixue, and Rong Bi made up another.

    Yuan Ya was delighted and promptly said, "Then let the Crown Prince make the first guess?"

    Yuan Jun shook his head. "You're the guest, so you should go first. I'll hide it." With that, he turned around, reached out, and took the lustrous jade hook from the tray that Pei Qiu was holding. Yuan Ya and the other three had already turned their backs, awaiting him to conceal the hook.

    Yuan Jun turned back and effortlessly presented the jade hook before Rong Bi's eyes.

    Rong Bi looked up at Yuan Jun. His gaze remained as calm and indifferent as ever, as if he were merely passing an object he disliked to someone else.

    Yuan Yixue giggled on the side.

    In this game of hide-and-seek with a hook, the climax came when the guessing player furtively searched their sleeves, pockets, or waistbands. The Crown Prince had ingeniously hidden the hook on himself, making it the most straightforward choice. Yuan Ya would surely guess her, and perhaps even seize the opportunity to touch her delicate hand. If she were a well-bred lady, he wouldn't dare to be so forward. But all those present were royal siblings; who would care about the virtue of a mere servant girl?

    She reached into Yuan Jun's palm to take the hook, holding it tightly in her own hand.

    In Yuan Jun's mind, there was no thought. However, Rong Bi noticed that he wiped his palm with a handkerchief...the palm she had just touched.

    The impeccable and pure-as-snow Crown Prince—ahem.

    With the hook safely hidden, the opposing team turned around. Yuan Yixue chirped cheerfully, "Third Brother, the jade hook isn't on me." She then winked playfully.

    Princess Yi Yang declared, "I believe it's on Second Sister. Third Brother, don't let her off."

    Yuan Mo clapped his hands and said, "I guessed it would be on Second Sister too."

    But Yuan Ya chuckled and countered, "I think it's definitely on Palace Lady Rong. Am I right?" He approached Rong Bi with a smile, reaching out to grasp her fair little hand. "I bet it's on Palace Lady Rong."

    Before his fingers could touch her, Rong Bi had already opened her palm, revealing a sparkling jade hook nestled within.

    Seeing the hand as white as fresh snow, Yuan Ya involuntarily swallowed, retrieving the jade hook with a slight melancholy sensation in his heart.

    Rong Bi looked up at him and smiled slightly. Upon seeing her smile, Yuan Ya felt a wave of weakness wash over him.

    But Rong Bi turned to bow to Yuan Jun and said, "Since I'm the prize, why waste time? I dare to request that for the next three turns, I should be the one guessing. If I guess correctly all three times, can I choose which mistress to serve?"

    Yuan Ya, gazing at her lowered face, felt another bout of softness. "Ah, it's not easy to get all three right. Are you sure you want to risk it?" His words were disjointed.

    Yuan Yixue's eyes widened slightly as she scolded, "Do you have the right to negotiate terms before your master?" Always favored by Empress Luo, she had never encountered such audacious behavior from a servant and couldn't help feeling displeased.

    Princess Yi Yang, however, laughed. "Some courage there. Are you so confident you'll guess correctly all three times? Besides, if Third Prince is interested in you, it's your good fortune. Are you playing hard to get or do you have ulterior motives?" Her face was wreathed in a smile, but her words sent chills down Han Suyin's spine, who was desperately trying to make herself invisible.

    Rong Bi said, "Since the gambling spirit has arisen, we might as well bet big. If it's fate, I'll naturally comply. All I seek is a clear conscience."

    Princess Yi Yang mused slowly, "So, is it a matter of a strong gambling instinct or simply going with the flow?"

    Rong Bi whispered softly, "A lion fights a hare with all its might."

    Yuan Yixue's eyes sparkled, but she smiled and said, "Big Sister, ignore her. These servants exhaust their minds every day trying to gain favor with their masters. Who doesn't know the tricks they keep up their sleeves?"

    Yuan Ya came to Rong Bi's defense, "Ah, I also think it's better to bet big in one go! It's thrilling!"

    Yuan Zhen, however, believed he had seen through Rong Bi's intentions. Perhaps the Empress Mother had sent her to the Crown Prince's side, and if she were dismissed to serve the Third Prince after just one day, it would reflect poorly on her in the Empress Mother's eyes as a failure to serve adequately.

    Fixing his gaze on her for a moment, Yuan Jun said coolly, "Very well."

    Rong Bi rose to her feet and made a slight bow before turning towards the lake. Han Suyin, who stood by the railing with her pipa, looked pale and avoided Rong Bi's gaze, fearing that she might be implicated in any misfortune that befell Rong Bi.

    The corners of Rong Bi's mouth tightened. She was born into a peasant family, lowly, but she still had a chance to fight. In fact, when the Crown Prince agreed to let her try, the outcome had already been sealed.

    To these aristocrats, this humble servant girl with her stunning appearance might seem laughable for risking everything just to catch the noble's attention. Nevertheless, idle time was idle time, and with the rain pouring down, mist shrouded the lake. Graceful palace maidens strolled slowly past each noble, pausing briefly before moving on to the next, until, after standing before each one, they accurately found the hidden hook.

    Seems like she's skilled at reading people's expressions?

    The nobles became even more engaged and hid the hook twice more with great concentration.

    When the Consort again accurately found the person hiding the hook for the second time, everyone was astonished. Yuan Yixue and Yuan Mo covered Rong Bi's eyes, and only then did they start to hide the hook again.

    But in the third round, Rong Bi still stood right in front of Princess Yi Yang, slightly bending her knees. "This servant is betting that the jade hook is hidden under Princess Eldest's sash," she said. Since childhood, she had played guessing games with her brothers, hiding beans, and had never lost. Her family always attributed her success to good luck, joking that if she were to enter a gambling house, she might win back a fortune for them.

    She believed that fate was on her side. She had never made such a bold bet before, and a light sheen of sweat had started to form on her back.

    The atmosphere was silent.

    Princess Yi Yang laughed with delight. "If I gave you ten more chances, would you still guess correctly every time?"

    Rong Bi removed the silk ribbon from her eyes. Her gaze was as calm as still water. "Does Princess wish to try again?"

    Princess Yi Yang stared at her for a moment, inwardly sighing. Such a remarkable woman, alas, not at my disposal. Turning to Yuan Jun, she smiled. "Let the Crown Prince speak. After all, our royal descendants should accept defeat gracefully when they lose."

    Yuan Jun's expression remained composed. "As you wish, sister. Let her choose for herself." He thought to himself, Never mind, I'll find an excuse to get rid of her later. Third Brother won't let go anytime soon, and he may even seize an opportunity to ask for her.

    Rong Bi took a step back and knelt down respectfully, bowing her head as she spoke, "This servant wishes to serve by Princess Yi Yang's side. I humbly request that both Princess and the Crown Prince grant me this wish."

    The hall fell silent, everyone clearly taken aback by the maid's unconventional request.

    It was Princess Yi Yang?

    Indeed, the princess's residence had palace officials serving, but—why would anyone choose to be by Princess Yi Yang's side? As a widowed princess, serving in her residence practically severed any prospects for the future. Serving either the Crown Prince or the Third Prince could lead to becoming a concubine, with the Empress's endorsement potentially turning them into an imperial consort once the prince ascended the throne. If the Third Prince were to be granted a princedom, they could still secure a rank as a secondary consort.

    Why would she choose Princess Yi Yang? Was she foolish?

    Princess Yi Yang's surprise faded, and she gradually smiled, her words carrying a subtle message: "Concubine Rong is indeed a wise woman."

    "In that case, I'll have to ask Prince Yuan for this favor. Indeed, I'm currently in need of capable attendants around me."

    Yuan Jun twirled the rosary beads on his wrist expressionlessly and replied, "If Elder Sister needs assistance, I won't refuse. I'll send someone later to inform the Palace Ladies' Bureau."

    0 Comments

    Enter your details or log in with:
    Heads up! Your comment will be invisible to other guests and subscribers (except for replies), including you after a grace period. But if you submit an email address and toggle the bell icon, you will be sent replies until you cancel.
    Note