Chapter 13: Intoxication

Chapter 13: Intoxication

Following that, the princess hosted several more banquets. The crown prince would sometimes attend and sometimes not, but Zheng Changyuan was often a guest. It was rumored that Dry Herb Abbess had indeed visited the Zheng residence to treat Miss Zheng, prescribing a medicine that proved effective. Zheng Tanhua was deeply grateful and even sent many precious and exotic overseas delicacies as a gift.

Rong Bi began to dread these banquets. She feared that the princess might casually give her away during one of them, so much so that she woke up drenched in sweat from nightmares, gasping for air, dreaming that she had been bestowed upon a faceless man from the outer manor.

She had seen those vulgar servants, following the palace officials to deliver custom-made pottery, slaughtered livestock, and poultry. With their greedy gazes, they lecherously appraised the palace maids, openly salivating.

How could she seize control of her own destiny? How could she prevent the nobles, who looked down on her as a mere beautiful trinket, from giving her away at will?

Suddenly, an imperial attendant arrived with an edict, summoning Princess Yi Yang to the palace. Thereafter, she remained there.

Rong Bi soon learned from Mother Hua that the emperor had fallen gravely ill, and it seemed that the ailing princess, along with the other princes and princesses, had rushed to his bedside.

Despite being an out-married daughter, Rong Bi was still required to reside in the palace, paying her respects daily.

The princess stayed in the palace for a full fortnight before finally returning to her residence. With the emperor's illness, she became more restrained, abstaining from lavish banquets. However, she would occasionally indulge in drinking games and amusement with the guards, who were perceived by outsiders as her concubines. They would play games like arrow shooting and dice rolling, and frequently called upon Rong Bi to join in guessing hidden objects for added excitement.

Despite Rong Bi's occasional mistakes, she was still an exceptional observer. Soon, the guards became familiar with the talented Chef Rong Shang Palace Lady, secretly referring to her as "Beautiful Rong."

Vibrant and youthful, these attendants caught Rong Bi's attention. She realized that they, so-called "companions," had likely never served the princess in her bedchamber. However, there was no denying that the princess treated them exceptionally well, hiring skilled martial arts instructors for them. They were proficient in swordsmanship, archery, hunting, and even horseback riding – something not even common families could afford. Their polo matches resembled battles, showcasing their competitive spirit and bravery. Moreover, they were knowledgeable about maps and military texts.

This was not merely keeping companions; it was training an army – no, not just ordinary soldiers, but talented strategists. Rong Bi observed a young guard, shamelessly begging for her favor: "Dear sister, it's cold today. My turn and Old Four's to be on duty. Please roast these chestnuts for us. We'll come fetch them after our shift."

Taking them, Rong Bi maintained a serious expression and entered. Behind her, the excited young guard discussed with his peers, "She looks even more beautiful up close! I'm done for, I won't sleep tonight!"

Rong Bi mused to herself that they were also weapons in the princess's hands, but because they were useful to her, their positions were more secure than her own, which was always uncertain.

Another half a month passed when a great fire suddenly broke out in the palace. Fortunately, it was extinguished promptly. Princess Yi Yang, deeply disturbed, hurriedly entered the palace as soon as the flames were under control.

It turned out that the fire had engulfed the Línzhǐ Palace, where the crown prince resided.

The emperor then ordered the reconstruction of Línzhǐ Palace and asked the crown prince to temporarily move to the Bao'Han Palace.

Having spent considerable time in the palace, Rong Bi knew that no matter how insignificant an event seemed, it could hold great significance. The relocation of the crown prince was undoubtedly a major affair, even if it were only temporary. She vaguely recalled that Bao'Han Palace was quite secluded, situated by the water, near the woods, and backed by a mountain, making it damp and chilly. Palace attendants living there often found little food left in the kitchens when they went to fetch meals, though it was certain that the crown prince would not be neglected. Despite the palace being crowded, with every residence already occupied, who would willingly vacate their quarters? How could they ask the crown prince to endure any inconvenience?

How much more so with such a bizarre and inexplicable fire?

After the princess returned, her mood was visibly displeased. For several consecutive nights, she drank excessively until the late hours, and all the servants in the small kitchen knew that guards accompanied her every night until she was utterly drunk before they finally retired.

This was clearly not in accordance with royal etiquette, but as the princess was widowed and an esteemed daughter of heaven, who dared to intervene?

On this particular evening, the princess was again enjoying herself with the guards. Laughter and merriment filled the courtyard, and Rong Bi was summoned once more to grill meat. She noticed that the guards still wore smiles on their faces, doing their best to entertain.

Yet, beneath their jovial demeanor, many were somber and visibly worried. The princess was their protector, and they naturally fretted over what might be troubling her, causing her to drink excessively every day. Were there issues with the crown prince or the emperor? Had the princess been scolded by the emperor for failing to attend to someone's illness, or perhaps faced difficulties from Empress Luo within the palace?

These speculations remained private conversations. The guards continued to play their game noisily, maintaining the appearance of cheerful, dashing youths with smiles at the corners of their eyes. They understood that their role was to amuse the princess, and if she desired laughter, they would oblige.

Rong Bi brushed another layer of honey onto the sizzling slices of meat. Even a sheltered princess had worries, yet she had countless people watching over and caring for her with genuine affection...

Suddenly, the door opened, and a figure clad in a hooded cloak entered the courtyard. A broad, dark indigo cloak enveloped the person, exuding an aura of both elegance and severity. Almost instantaneously, the guards in the courtyard sprang to attention, drawing their swords. "Who dares to intrude upon the princess's residence?"

Several guards immediately stood before Princess Yi Yang.

With bleary eyes, she lifted her head and smiled. "It's the crown prince. Hasn't the palace gate already been locked? Why have you left the palace?"

The man removed his hood, and the warm glow from the lanterns illuminated his youthful, stern face. "I was supposed to stay at Fayun Temple tonight after praying for Father Emperor's well-being, but I couldn't help but come and check on you."

Princess Yi Yang's expression softened, and she beckoned him to sit beside her. However, due to her intoxication, her words were slurred as she laughed, "What a rare opportunity. Let me invite His Highness the Crown Prince to have a few cups as well."

The lively music resumed, but the guards' smiles vanished. Instead, they hesitantly picked up the flower arrows used for the game of pitch-pot.

Yuan Jun frowned, his gaze cold. "Everyone, leave. All the guards."

The guards didn't move, only looking towards Yi Yang. She chuckled. "Alright then, my sister and I can enjoy a drink together." She waved dismissively. "All of you, go. Just leave two people at the door."

The guards gradually withdrew. Rong Bi, noticing that the other maids hadn't retreated, didn't dare to act without permission. She had been roasting meat under a tree in the corner, and leaving alone would draw even more attention.

Yuan Jun paid no attention to these maidservants. He turned back to Princess Yi Yang, who had picked up the wine jug again, and held down her cup. "Why do you not care for your health, Eldest Sister?"

Princess Yi Yang replied coldly, "One should enjoy life while one can, and not let the golden cup be empty before the moon."

Yuan Jun said, "Eldest Sister!" His expression remained unchanged, but there was a hint of sorrow in his voice.

Princess Yi Yang suddenly laughed. "Why did you come to Baohan Palace? As the Crown Prince, who would dare to stop you? What right do they have to keep you from Baohan Palace?"

Yuan Jun placed the wine flask back down and whispered, "Big Sister, you're drunk."

Princess Yi Yang responded softly, "It's alright, we're all family. He's ill, with an unspeakable illness, that's why he's afraid. He's afraid of you, young and healthy as you are!"

Yuan Jun remained silent. Suddenly, Princess Yi Yang started to shed tears. "Although these past few years, he's only had alchemy and immortality on his mind, I thought it was understandable. Only recently did I find out how foolish he's become!"

Princess Yi Yang was clearly very drunk. "In his youth, he fought in battles and was a true hero. I still remember him teaching me how to ride and hunt. And now? Alchemy, seeking divine knowledge, indulging in women. When I entered the palace, I saw Empress Luo drag away those female Taoist nuns to be executed. They wore only thin Taoist robes, nothing underneath – how debauched! Where is the royal dignity in all this?"

Yuan Jun's expression turned grim.

Princess Yi Yang giggled through her tears. "I could see she was terrified too. If something were to happen to the Emperor, all her plotting and scheming for so long would be for naught!"

"Fortunately, Father regained consciousness and was frightened by what happened. But then, his obsession with power resurfaced. While he's recovering, he's become suspicious of you! Was that fire really just a coincidence? It burned down your bedroom – that's attempted regicide! Yet the palace didn't investigate thoroughly!" Princess Yi Yang exclaimed sharply.

Yuan Jun lowered his head slightly, his expression hidden in the shadows. As he sat down, a maid came to pour him tea, but he didn't even touch it.

Princess Yi Yang laughed for a moment before crying again. "What's truly terrifying isn't when a hero grows old, but when a hero falls from grace! Father... how could he become like this?"

Yuan Jun whispered, "Big Sister, you're drunk. I'll have them escort you back to your room to rest."

He turned his head, searching for a familiar maid to instruct them to escort Princess Yi Yang back to her chambers. Rong Bi bowed deeply, but still sensed his gaze landing on her. Yuan Jun fell silent for a moment before turning to look at Princess Yi Yang.

Princess Yi Yang was still smiling as she said, "I'm not drunk. You rarely come out, so let's have a good chat as siblings." Suddenly, she fell silent and quickly caught sight of Rong Bi through Yuan Jun's gaze.

The alcohol she had consumed turned into cold sweat, yet she maintained her smile. "So it's Palace Lady Rong. I forgot that you were serving here tonight. The Crown Prince still remembers?" Her voice was clear and soft, as if nothing had happened, and she casually added, "Rong Bi, come forward and pay your respects to your former master."

Rong Bi rose and approached, tidying her clothes and skirt before kneeling solemnly in front of Yuan Jun, five steps away from the siblings. With both hands on the ground, she placed her forehead on the back of her palms.

A layer of cold sweat had formed on her back.

Yuan Jun looked down at the beautiful palace maid with a sigh in his heart: What a pity.

Princess Yi Yang also regained her composure, realizing that she had indeed drank too much and forgotten about the presence of someone from Empress Luo's side. She wasn't actually strict with her servants; it was just that their current situation as siblings was on the brink of a precipice. Indifferently, she thought to herself, I'll have to give her a quick end - better to be wronged than to be lenient. She's unlucky. If not for the Crown Prince, this wouldn't have been necessary. Unfortunately, our fate with Empress Luo is sealed, and the Crown Prince's position is precarious. I've only caused more trouble for him...

"Smash!"

The precious glass jade vase beside Princess Yi Yang shattered into countless pieces on the floor.

This was a method used by all the nobles in the palace, an instinctive way to punish servants they disliked. Simple, yet always effective.

Princess Yi Yang gazed at Rong Bi with a detached air, remarking, "Oh my, how careless of you? This jade pot is an imperial gift."