Chapter 11: The Crown Prince

Chapter 11: The Crown Prince

A young man strode in with an air of confidence, his long eyebrows and slender eyes exuding a captivating aura. He was tall and well-built, donning a dark purple robe with arrow sleeves and paired with azure shoes adorned with powder. A precious sword hung at his waist, identifying him as none other than Song Xiang, the heir of Duke Ding.

Initially, Duke Ding's eldest son, Song Heng, was betrothed to Princess Yi Yang and granted the title of Marquis of Anle. Consequently, the position of heir to Duke Ding's lineage fell to his younger brother, Song Xiang. Later, when Song Heng passed away, the marquisate was left vacant. Given that Duke Ding's direct line comprised only these two children, it was decided, with imperial approval, that after Song Xiang married and had a son, one of his sons would be adopted to inherit the title.

Song Xiang bowed respectfully to Princess Yi Yang, "Greetings, Sister-in-law."

Princess Yi Yang smiled and said, "Why is Brother Xiang free to drop by today? Don't you have to attend your studies?"

Rong Bi overheard Yu Twelve, who had returned to the ranks, whispering to the others, "Prince Song always chooses to come during the assessment sessions."

"One would think he's always so strict and formal. Whenever he arrives, Princess has to act like a proper older sister-in-law in front of him. Oh, it's no fun at all."

"In my opinion, he's just being cunning and heartless," Yu Twelve grumbled, and Rong Bi couldn't help but smile. It seemed that Yu Twelve had a deep admiration for the princess, thus his jealousy towards the Prince Song who always disrupted their plans.

Up above, they heard Song Xiang respond obediently, "It's Mid-Autumn Festival soon, and my teacher needs to visit his family and friends, so he has taken leave. Father has instructed me to practice calligraphy and reading at home. Today's lessons are done, and since it's assessment day, I thought I'd join my brothers to stretch our limbs a bit. Besides, our estate has received the lamb and crabs sent from Princess's residence, and Mother asked me to bring over some freshly harvested lotus roots and water chestnuts from the manor, as well as a basket of live fish, knowing that your sister-in-law enjoys them."

Princess Yi Yang chuckled. "Thank your mother for me and tell her I'll pay her respects tomorrow. Reasonably, studying calligraphy every day must be tedious for you. However, today we're testing our wrestling skills, and Yu Twelve won the accolades. For a noble young master like you to strip off your clothes and expose your chest would be quite unbecoming. Be careful, or Duke might scold you. Fortunately, we have fine mutton and delicious crabs today. Please sit down, enjoy a cup of wine, and relax before returning to your residence. Fetch a seat for the prince, someone."

Song Xiang glanced at Yu Twelve, who was as proud as a little lion, and his face darkened slightly. He didn't say anything and sat down. Princess Yi Yang had already smiled and asked Duke Ding and the elder madam how they were, inquired about their health, and then ordered someone to fetch a silver bow. "You're lucky. I just had this bow made for you the other day. Try it out later to see if it's any good."

Song Xiang took the bow, and his gloomy expression was replaced by enthusiasm. He stood up, walked to the training ground, drew the bow, aimed, and shot an arrow, hitting the bullseye every time. He stroked the intricately carved silver handle, admiring it with great affection before carefully putting it away. Turning to Princess Yi Yang, who had been watching him, he bowed in gratitude. "Excellent bow. Thank you, Princess."

Princess Yi Yang smiled. "We're family, no need to be formal." She then tested his studies, military knowledge, and asked someone to bring over a book that Song Heng had previously read. Smiling, she said, "This is your brother's annotated copy of 'Six Strategies.' I thought it was excellent, so I brought it for you. But don't let it leave your hands; there are some notes I made while studying inside."

Song Xiang received the 'Six Strategies' reverently. "Thank you for your generosity, Sister-in-law." He gently placed the book aside. Princess Yi Yang continued chatting with him.

The lively and flirtatious atmosphere that had prevailed earlier turned serious and dull after Song Xiang's arrival. The guards ate their lamb quietly and drank their osmanthus ice cream in silence. The once energetic young men, now demure as wooden posts, seemed to be inwardly cursing the prince for spoiling their fun.

Rong Bi couldn't help but smile as she saw Yu Twelve, who had been full of vigor earlier, now slumped and dejected as he came to get his osmanthus drink. Her beauty was captivating, and her smile caused the nearby guards to brighten their eyes and stare. Only Song Xiang maintained his gaze straight ahead, treating such a stunning beauty as casually as a stone wall.

After a while, Song Xiang rose to take his leave. As the eldest sister-in-law, Princess Yi Yang also got up to see him off. With this interruption, the evening banquet in the courtyard dispersed. Rong Bi instructed the servants to clean up, watching as the maids counted the dishes, cups, and pots, clearly keeping a record for return. She casually asked one of the servants, "The princess's household must have strict control over these items. Are they all counted?"

The servant chuckled. "Of course, Miss Rong. You've seen the grandeur from the palace. Those porcelain bowls are from Ru kiln, with ice crackle patterns, and each set is numbered. If any are damaged, they must be compensated. And the new set the prince added just now is even more exquisite, made entirely of pure silver. They're usually reserved for the younger generation as a sign of respect and care. They'll be counted, cleaned, and returned to the storage room."

Rong Bi inquired, "Is this storage room divided into different sections, like in the palace?"

The servant smiled. "Certainly. The imperial storerooms are much larger, but our estate's are managed by Sister Hua. They're all kept in the treasury in the backyard."

Rong Bi had taken root in their hearts. Watching the servants return to the kitchen, they were eventually convinced. After the meal, Princess Yi Yang indeed sent a message, praising the excellent arrangement of the evening banquet and rewarding them for it.

The servants, now somewhat convinced, either because their mistress was trying to boost Rong Bi's reputation or because this new Rong Bi was truly capable, temporarily put aside their resentment and didn't dare to hinder her anymore.

The following days proceeded smoothly. Mei Xiang took great care of her, promptly sending word through a young maid whenever there was any news, demonstrating both propriety and attentiveness.

She seemed to be an upright person. On the other hand, Mother Hua also showed much concern, carefully informing Rong Bi about any dietary restrictions of the First Princess the next day.

Despite knowing that Hua Momma was suspicious of her, suspecting she had a secret mission or was waiting for instructions, Rong Bi never mentioned the storehouse again. This only made Rong Bi feel that it was a place that instilled fear in her. Nevertheless, Hua Momma appeared kind and approachable on a daily basis, showing unwavering loyalty to the princess.

Rong Bi kept her guard up and paid more attention to the princess's storehouses.

The princess's storehouses were situated within a courtyard, with different buildings dedicated to specific items: one for gold and silverware, antiques; another for clothing and textiles; one for furniture and decorations; and one for books and scrolls. All were meticulously organized, guarded by various servants and patrolled daily by guards. Anyone needing to retrieve items from the storehouse had to register, accompanied by two others to count and collect the goods. The exchange would take place in person after a meticulous check, with a signed record of the transaction.

Mother Hua, as an inner court official and deeply trusted by the princess, oversaw all these storehouses and naturally possessed the keys to each.

So, what secrets did these storehouses hold?

After all, it couldn't be something pleasant, right?

Rong Bi was determined to focus solely on her duties each day. She didn't even venture into the main courtyard, instead spending her days in the kitchen. Through the chatter of the servants, she learned many trivial matters happening within the princess's residence.

Day after day, she remained in the kitchen, and Princess Yi Yang found it unusual. She summoned Mama Hua to inquire, "How has that new servant, Rong Bi, been behaving lately?"

Mama Hua replied, "She's been diligently attending to her tasks in the kitchen. I've noticed that the princess is eating more and sleeping soundly now. It seems she has quite the skill in preparing meals."

Princess Yi Yang chuckled. "She's been trapped in the kitchen for ten years without any chance of advancement. It was only during the Crown Prince's eighteenth birthday celebration when the Empress was urgently searching for someone strikingly beautiful for him. Surprisingly, most of the ladies with some allure in the palace had already caught the Emperor's eye. It took great effort to uncover this hidden gem who had been concealed for so long – from my observation, she must have quite a profound mind."

In recent days, she had already instructed her people to investigate Rong Bi's background, and indeed, there was not a hint of suspicion. Since her arrival at the Princess' residence, she had behaved with propriety and integrity, not committing the slightest misstep. Not once had she even stepped out of the inner courtyard.

Yet, the more impeccable it was, the more suspicious it became.

Mother Flower, still curious, inquired, "If it was meant for the Crown Prince, how did it end up serving at the Princess's residence?"

Princess Yi Yang sneered coldly, "The Crown Prince has never been one to keep such things. Naturally, he would find a way to dismiss her. This servant is well aware that the Crown Prince detests her and is likely trying to find another route through me to get closer to the Crown Prince. With a face like that, can she really have no other intentions?"

Mother Hua asked with utmost caution, "Is she on the Queen's side?"

Princess Yi Yang said nonchalantly, "It doesn't matter if it's true or not. What matters is that she's not on our side. The Crown Prince is alone and powerless, and Empress Luo undoubtedly has her own plans. With Father Emperor being so detached from worldly affairs and engrossed in his spiritual pursuits every day, we can't afford to be careless."

Mama Hua fell silent. Princess Yi Yang thought for a moment before turning to give instructions, "I've heard there's a new troupe in the capital with a martial artist who's excellent with a staff. Arrange for them to perform in the garden for two days starting from the day after tomorrow. Also, send an invitation to the Crown Prince to join us when he has time. Yes, and deliver a message to Zheng Tanhua, saying I've heard good things about this performance and would like him to attend."

Mama Hua remained silent, but Princess Yi Yang chuckled, "I hope this martial artist lives up to their reputation. Many handsome men turn out to be nothing special when you actually meet them. Sigh, it's a pity that there aren't many who truly catch my eye."

Trembling slightly, Mama Hua ventured, "Your Highness – perhaps it would be better to ask the Emperor to arrange another marriage… It would spare you from being alone now…"

Princess Yi Yang smiled enchantingly, "Would remarriage bring me the same freedom as now? Aren't there still plenty of handsome men for me to choose from at present? If I were to remarry, I'd have another husband bossing me around, and perhaps even in-laws to contend with. Wouldn't that just mean jumping into another cage?"

Mama Hua lowered her head, her usual honesty and lack of eloquence preventing her from arguing further. Princess Yi Yang, not minding, got up to remove her makeup, ending the conversation.