Chapter 42: Heavenly Demon

Chapter 42: Heavenly Demon

Indeed, Rong Bi was standing in the vegetable garden, her mood lifted by the thriving plants. As she personally plucked vegetables, pondering the dinner menu, she suddenly sensed an eerie silence. Turning around, she found an elderly man with a refined appearance standing at the edge of the garden. He wore a light yellow Taoist robe and gazed intently at her.

Beside him stood Li Dongfu, along with several respectful and quiet eunuchs. More figures moved in the background, entering the kitchen, hall, and study. The servants who usually attended to the Henggong Palace seemed to have vanished, leaving the entire palace in a deathly silence.

She immediately recognized him as the emperor – someone she had seen from afar before. In the palace, apart from eunuchs, no other men would be present.

A light sheen of sweat formed on her back as she promptly stepped forward to prostrate in a deep bow.

Yuan Zixu chuckled. "Rise, my dear. I've heard that your vegetable garden is thriving. Since I have some leisure time today, I thought I'd come and have a look." Rong Bi stood up, and Yuan Zixu waved her over, taking her hand as he said, "Since you've tended to these vegetables yourself and are currently exploring the art of medicinal cuisine, then let me taste the dishes you've prepared with your own hands today."

Rong Bi bowed gracefully and whispered, "Your obedient son complies, Your Majesty, please wait a moment." Carrying the basket of vegetables, she curtsied before retreating, not sparing a glance for the imperial guards patrolling the hall. She made her way into the kitchen, where several palace attendants and guards promptly stationed themselves, ostensibly to assist but in reality, to keep watch over her.

Has something occurred? Having grown up within these palace walls, she was well aware that such a commotion usually signaled a thorough search of the premises. But why would they search the palace? Was there something within Hanyuan Palace that shouldn't be there? A twinge of anxiety gripped her, yet she remained composed as she proceeded to unload the vegetables from the basket into a bucket. Palace attendants offered their assistance, and she instructed them to wash and prepare the produce. She also ordered someone to start a fire.

Fortunately, the kitchen was still manned by its team of low-ranking eunuch servants, and it quickly resumed its bustling activity.

She compelled herself to focus on the culinary tasks at hand, selecting the most tender chives for the dumpling fillings and preparing shepherd's purse spring rolls. She also readied a bamboo fungus-stewed chicken, stir-fried magnolia blossom with sliced meat, a fresh sea bass soup, garlic-braised red amaranth topped with dried shrimp, a dish of minced cucumber with tofu garnished with preserved eggs and sesame seeds. Tender bamboo shoots, fragrant mushrooms, and goji shoots were blanched and tossed with sesame oil, pepper, salt, soy sauce, and a dash of vinegar to create a refreshing cold appetizer—springtime mountain delicacies. For dessert, she chose rose longevity cakes, and to accompany the meal, golden coreopsis and dendrobium tea was served.

As the palace servants kneaded the dough, Rong Bi reached for the wrappers to make dumplings herself when Li Dongfu entered, bowing with a smile. "Your Highness is doing this personally?"

Rong Bi mimicked the slightly haughty temperament of the Crown Prince and asked, "Does Father Emperor have any dietary restrictions due to the pills he's been taking recently?"

Li Dongfu chuckled. "A while ago, the Imperial Kitchen received live peacock eggs, and His Majesty found them delicious, so he granted them as a reward. Previously, Concubine Mei prepared a clear sheep brain soup, and the Emperor bestowed her with a lustrous glass screen."

Rong Bi nodded, aware that it was improper to inquire about the emperor's preferences. Hence, she only inquired about restrictions, and Li Dongfu mentioned only what the emperor had rewarded, not what he enjoyed, which showcased his caution while also respecting the Crown Prince.

However... live peacock eggs were unhatched bird eggs, believed by the common folk to cure dizziness and provide nourishment. And sheep brains... did the emperor suffer from headaches or dizziness? Rumors had it that he consumed these pills frequently. While in Jingbei, she had consulted a physician about the dietary needs of someone who took such pills. After learning the effects of the pills, the physician, tactfully, said, "If one's sexual prowess is strong, these mineral-based medicines often include white stone crystal, milk stone, and so on. It's best to balance them with cooling herbs like coptis, rehmannia, and dendrobium to replenish vitality and quench dryness."

Contemplating, she added fresh walnut kernels to the cold dishes and a sprinkle of celery. She also included a slice of ginseng in the fish soup and rehmannia in the chicken stew.

Li Dongfu examined the additions, smiled, then took his leave. Arriving at the main hall of Hanguang Palace, he saw Yuan Zixu casually flipping through the items they had seized from Shen Anlin. Li Dongfu couldn't help but worry for the Crown Prince and reported softly, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is personally making dumplings for you."

Yuan Zixu slowly unfolded a piece of mulberry bark paper, revealing a detailed map of the vegetable gardens within Hanguang Palace. The bamboo grove, lake, small hill, and various palaces and corridors were meticulously divided into sections, each labeled with what was planted. There were even areas designated for composting, seed storage, nursery beds, and poultry farming, as well as channels dug for irrigation from the lake. It was evident that great effort had gone into creating the map, and it matched what he had seen on their way in. The tiny, neat script on the map indicated that the Crown Prince had studied agricultural books extensively, specifying whether the plants preferred sunlight or shade, how often to fertilize and water, and even where he had sourced this information. He seemed to be applying the same diligence to farming as he would to studying scriptures.

Relieved, Yuan Zixu glanced at Li Dongfu and then asked the military commander standing below, who seemed unfamiliar to him. "Have all the searches been thoroughly conducted? You were confident that Shen Anlin had something to smuggle when summoned by the Crown Prince. Now, Shen Anlin isn't confessing, nor does he have anything on him. If nothing is found in the Crown Prince's quarters..."

Li Dongfu observed the stern expression of the military commander, who knelt and declared, "I dare not lie, Your Majesty. I indeed witnessed the Crown Prince removing a piece of paper from a box and hurriedly summoning Shen Anlin to the palace.

Retiring all others for a private discussion, perhaps His Highness has the letter on him?"

Yuan Zixu chuckled and turned to instruct Li Dongfu, "After the Crown Prince finishes preparing the meal, have him bathe and change before joining me for dinner."

Li Dongfu respectfully replied, "As you wish."

Rong Bi personally cooked several dishes in the kitchen and supervised the eunuchs until they were almost done. She then emerged to wash her hands and change clothes, only to find Li Dongfu and a few attendants waiting outside with her attire. "Your Highness, the Emperor is waiting for you. Please take a bath and change first."

Looking at the unfamiliar eunuchs from the Imperial Palace and the guards following them, Rong Bi remained silent but nodded slightly, heading towards the bathing chamber. As expected, her discarded clothing, shoes, socks, and hair accessories had been taken away, and the guards closely followed behind.

Rong Bi realized this was a search. What was the Emperor looking for? Although she felt nervous, she maintained a composed expression and mimicked the Crown Prince's usual demeanor. After washing and changing into a new set of robes, she followed the attendants back to the main hall of the Han Palace.

Yuan Zixu was sitting in the main seat, engrossed in something. Rong Bi approached and performed her curtsy meticulously. Yuan Zixu smiled and said, "Rise, sit down. It seems you've truly been tending to the land. Tonight, I'll taste the vegetables you've planted yourself." The evening banquet began as the attendants brought in dishes one after another. Rong Bi sat cross-legged on a side cushion, silently awaiting the proceedings.

Yuan Zixu asked about the books she had been reading and the essays she had written. Fortunately, Rong Bi had read through the Crown Prince's journal beforehand and answered accordingly. However, she held her breath, fearing that Yuan Zixu would test her knowledge. To her surprise, Yuan Zixu casually inquired, "Why did the Crown Prince summon Shen Anlin to the palace urgently the other day?"

Rong Bi replied respectfully, "Upon hearing the joyful news of my elder sister's pregnancy, I was overjoyed and instructed Shen Anlin to offer incense and distribute congee at the temple on my behalf, seeking blessings for a smooth childbirth for her and prosperity for our nation."

Yuan Zixu smiled. "With your mother's spirit watching over Yi Yang, everything will surely be fine. But if Yi Yang is expecting, why haven't there been any news about your concubines? Could it be that my son finds them unattractive?"

Rong Bi said, "Of course, Father Emperor's grace is always benevolent. But Father has ordered me to focus on my studies, so I naturally pay no attention to matters outside my chambers."

Yuan Zixu didn't comment, only gesturing, "The Palace Music Ensemble recently premiered a new Sixteen Heavenly Demon Buddhist Dance. It's been highly praised. Today would be a good opportunity to witness it and allow the Crown Prince some relaxation."

Rong Bi noticed that a screen had indeed been set up in the hall. Behind it, musicians had already taken their seats and began to play. The music was enchanting, with tinkling bells harmonizing with the melody. Sixteen young maidens entered in succession, wearing ivory Buddha crowns, their hair braided intricately, adorned with pearl-encrusted garments, barefoot yet with their waists covered by scarlet silk veils. The thin fabric of their skirts allowed glimpses of their delicate legs through the dangling pearl tassels. They danced rhythmically to the sound of the gongs and drums.

These maidens were at the peak of their beauty, slender and fair-skinned, their figures shimmering under the lustrous glow of pearls. Some held pipas, performing aerial dances, while others twirled silk ribbons like celestial maidens scattering flowers. A few danced with small gong drums, swaying their waists gracefully. Their slim arms, adorned with bangles, seemed as pure as snow. Their dance was a captivating and seductive display.

Yet, Rong Bi's mind was preoccupied with Yuan Zixu's search of the palace and his person. He wondered what they were looking for and couldn't bring himself to fully watch the performance. His eyes might have been on the maidens, but his thoughts were racing, considering what items in his study or sleeping quarters could spark such an investigation. Could it be witchcraft? Or perhaps something in those vegetable gardens...

Her expression was serene, and those around her assumed that the Crown Prince was attentively watching the dance, which was only natural. The Sixteen Celestial Demon Dancers were greatly favored by the Emperor, who had lavishly rewarded the Chief Eunuch in charge of the Music Bureau.

Yuan Zixu also gazed at his eldest son. Clad in a thin, green linen robe, he knelt with elegance, his spine straight and his raven-black hair coiffed meticulously. Despite being in the midst of the demonic dance, he seemed to be seated as calmly as a Confucian scholar delivering a lecture, his demeanor proper, his face composed, and his demeanor as tranquil as a gentleman. In his hand, he held a jade pendant, while beneath his sleeves, a young, fair wrist, as lustrous as white jade, was revealed, along with slender fingers that exuded strength – the hands of a youth.

He gestured to the maidens, who, as they danced, led three of them before the Emperor. Two others swayed gracefully to the Crown Prince's side. One circled behind him, reaching out to unfasten his outer robe, while the other knelt down, preparing to undo his waistband.

Rong Bi, initially on high alert, hadn't noticed the maidens approaching the Emperor. Startled when she felt her waistband loosen, she looked down and instinctively pushed the maiden away.

The maiden, still holding the Crown Prince's jade belt, was caught off guard by his sudden push. Her body tilted backward, colliding with a table, causing it to topple over with a crash. The cups, plates, and teapots on its surface scattered across the floor.

The young maiden's face had turned ashen, and she hurriedly prostrated herself in apology, her slender body trembling like a vulnerable lamb.

Yuan Zixu, however, gazed at the Crown Prince. His jade belt was untied, his outer robe open, revealing his white undergarments. The lightweight spring shirt exposed the youthful, muscular contours of the prince's waist and abdomen. Yet, in front of this seductive Heavenly Demon Dance that would stir any normal man's blood, the Crown Prince remained as calm as still water.

Was his son on the path to becoming a Buddha?

Seemingly sensing his father's scrutinizing gaze, the eldest prince adjusted his clothing, sat up straight, and returned the gaze with a tranquil expression. His clear, limpid eyes even seemed to carry a hint of innocent confusion, reminiscent of a child's.

In Yuan Zixu's eyes, he saw a pathetic and unattractive reflection of himself. He recalled eighteen years ago when his empress had given birth to their first son. Back then, he had placed great hopes upon him and sincerely intended to groom this eldest prince into a capable successor fit to bear the nation's burdens. He had genuinely loved this child.

But now, in his old age, he regretted his actions. He had broken his promise to his deceased empress, imprisoning his intelligent eldest son, and had launched a massive search of the palace based on a mere secret report. The irony was that they found nothing, only highlighting his deep-seated fear of his own son. His cowardice and terror were like those of an aging lion, afraid of its own offspring.

Suddenly overwhelmed by a wave of guilt and shame, Yuan Zixu stood silently and left with a sweeping motion of his sleeves.