Chapter 43: Elder Brother

Chapter 43: Elder Brother

After Yuan Zixu left Baohuan Palace and returned to the main hall, his resentment still lingered, boiling up to his forehead. Closing his eyes, he instructed a nearby palace concubine in a Taoist robe, "Fetch me one pill of the Ice Frost Snow accumulation Pill that Daoist Priest Chong Xiao presented the other day."

The concubine was startled and timidly replied, "Yes, but Daoist Priest Chong Xiao mentioned that this pill is extremely cold. If Your Majesty isn't severely plagued by headache or heat, it's best not to consume it..."

Yuan Zixu gave her a chilly glance. The palace concubine, intimidated by the emperor's icy stare, dared not speak further and quickly said, "This servant will fetch it immediately."

The Ice Frost Snow accumulation Pill had to be taken with cow's milk. Even though it was only March, Yuan Zixu had already begun using ice. He ordered someone to bring him cow's milk and snow ice, which he consumed with the pill. Slowly, the anger that had been surging up to his head subsided, replaced by a soothing sensation that moistened his tongue. Unbuttoning his outer robe, he crossed his legs and said, "Pass on the order: Execute Commander Yin Senwei of the Qinghou Guards for slandering the Crown Prince and attempting to track the emperor's whereabouts."

Li Dongfu was taken aback but suddenly realized that the Qinghou Guards were the most secretive of the eight imperial guards responsible for surveillance, reconnaissance, and assassination. All its members were devoted soldiers who would only follow direct orders from the emperor. No wonder he hadn't seen the commander today! He hurriedly agreed and conveyed the imperial edict to the Imperial Guard.

By the time the message was delivered, Yuan Zixu had already practiced energy cultivation with several concubines. Gradually, his mood calmed down. Half-closing his eyes, he asked Li Dongfu, "Do you think the Crown Prince has some hidden illness?"

Li Dongfu smiled obligingly. "When His Highness the Crown Prince refused to sleep with the chambermaids, Your Majesty also ordered the imperial physicians to examine him... Didn't they diagnose him as healthy? It's just that His Highness is fastidious, as I recall Your Majesty saying back then that he is still young. When he grows older and understands the pleasures of women, things will improve."

Yuan Zixu slowly opened his eyes, still suspicious. "Could the Crown Prince have a preference for men?"

Li Dongfu maintained his smile. "His Highness has an impeccable character. I've never heard of him having any dalliances with favored servants. This servant has heard that a while ago, when Your Majesty bestowed a vase of pearls upon the Crown Prince, he handed them over to the Bureau of Treasures to have them crafted into a necklace for a woman. Apparently, His Highness was unsatisfied with the designs presented by the Bureau of Precious Objects and requested them to be revised several times."

Yuan Zixu perked up with interest. "Oh? Perhaps it's meant for Yi Yang?"

Li Dongfu replied, "Your Majesty, Princess Yi Yang doesn't fancy pearls; she only likes gold and jade."

Yuan Zixu recalled, "That's right. Yi Yang thinks pearls fade over time, but gold and jade retain their value and can be passed down to future generations. She has quite the childlike temperament."

Li Dongfu chuckled, and Yuan Zixu continued, "If they're presenting such a valuable necklace, perhaps they have their eye on a maiden from a noble family..." He abruptly stopped, remembering that with the prince imprisoned, no family would dare to marry into the royal family.

Yuan Zixu then said leisurely, "The prince is still young. Let him focus on his studies for a few more years. I believe some ministers have ill intentions; they've corrupted my innocent children. Second and Third Princes have also been disappointing in their duties lately; they need to concentrate on their education as well. The prince has shown significant progress after a few months of studying."

Li Dongfu echoed with a smile, "Your Majesty speaks wisely. In ordinary households, children often have to work at a young age out of necessity. But with renowned scholars guiding the imperial family, they should indeed prioritize their studies."

Yuan Zixu convinced himself, closing his eyes contentedly. "I'll meditate for a while in silence. You may all leave."

The Qinghou Guards had killed a commander, causing Empress Luo to panic. She asked the Second Prince to convey a message to Luo Shiming, who wore a grim expression. After all, he had meticulously planted this spy, expecting a decisive blow. Who could have predicted that the prince would remain composed, not confronting the emperor even in such a perilous situation for Princess Yi Yang? At such a young age, Yuan Jun already demonstrated remarkable restraint. If he were to be released one day, what might happen?

Luo Shiming consoled Yuan Zhen, "Second Prince, there's no need to worry. It's just unfortunate that we've lost a useful asset. That person from the Qinghou Guards was difficult to bribe... It took much effort to convince them to search the palace once, but it seems the Emperor has shown his hand, likely suspecting something. However, when you return to the empress, reassure her that there's no need to fret. Given His Majesty's character, the more guilty he feels, the less he will want to face the prince, which means the prince won't be released anytime soon."

Yuan Zhen found it perplexing. "How can guilt prevent his release?"

Luo Shiming said, "You're young and unaware... Back then, although it was later proven that many officials were wrongfully accused, the Emperor would never allow retrials. Especially when that alchemist offered the red pills, and the students at the Imperial Academy caused a ruckus. Many senior and prominent ministers knelt to advise the Emperor, who eventually executed the alchemist, ceased the use of the red pills, and issued a self-criticism edict. But in the end, none of those rebellious students were able to hold official positions in the court; they all faced consequences later on..."

Yuan Zhen's expression subtly shifted, and Luo Shiming smiled bitterly. "His Majesty's nature is such, demanding absolute dominance. You and the Empress must be cautious within the palace. It's likely that even the Crown Prince has been cowed into inaction, too afraid to make any rash moves. We've taken such a great risk, sacrificing a valuable piece on the chessboard. Ah well, there's no need to tell the Empress about these matters when we return. Simply offer her comfort."

===

Ignoring the panic of Empress Luo and others, Rong Bi was quite at ease. She still strolled leisurely along the edge of the vegetable garden, admiring the rustic scenery in her simple linen robe.

For days on end, the spring sunshine had been delightful. The vegetable patch, previously overlooked by the crown prince, now teemed with vegetation; many of the vegetables had grown too lush to be consumed in time. Several chives and Chinese cabbages had blossomed into yellow flowers, amidst which fluttered graceful butterflies and humming bees. On the adjacent fence, the woodruff vines were laden with yellow blooms, their tendrils climbing trees and walls, cascading down like a floral waterfall. This display, intertwined with the wisteria and honeysuckle arbors, formed a dense cluster of blossoms, filling the courtyard with a refreshing aroma. Bees and butterflies lingered amidst this enchanting scene, their movements graceful and leisurely, painting a picture of exquisite beauty.

Along the edge of the vegetable plot, a vast expanse of mint had run wild, connecting to the steps below and brushing against the boots, releasing its fragrance. Originally, these plants sprouted readily with just sunlight and scattered seeds, defying all attempts at complete eradication, intended as they were for repelling mosquitoes. However, to allow them to grow so unchecked was a wanton waste of nature's bounty.

Rong Bi sat leisurely in the arcade, basking in contentment as she directed a few eunuchs to remove insects from the vegetable leaves. She also instructed them to harvest the mint sprouts, admiring the glistening, tender green leaves glistening with dewdrops. With a gentle pinch, the aromatic scent filled her sleeves, lingering for a long while. She personally prepared a fresh pot of honey-infused purple basil mint tea, adding a few green apricots for a refreshing, fragrant brew.

Inspired, Rong Bi guided Cai Fan in the kitchen to create a feast of mint dishes: purple basil mint fish, mint-marinated beef salad, mint omelet, mint-flavored pancakes, and mint-braised chicken. They even concocted a unique salted egg yolk and mint-fried shrimp. After trimming the shrimp, they fried them until crispy, then mixed in salted egg yolks, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine over low heat. Finally, they scattered fresh mint leaves and quickly stir-fried before serving. The result was a delectable dish of crispy shrimp with sandy salted egg yolk and mint.

Every servant in the Bao Han Palace received a portion, their previous fright from the palace search still evident. Previously, they had been confined to an empty room, unaware of the Emperor's sudden visit and hasty departure or what had transpired. Years in the palace had taught them that such upheaval often foreshadowed ominous events, leaving them all on edge.

However, seeing everything return to its usual rhythm, with the Crown Prince casually ordering meals and attentively tasting the flavors, adjusting seasonings, and experimenting with new dishes, the palace attendants found solace once more in the Bao Han Palace.

When Shen Anlin entered, Rong Bi was sampling her experimental salted egg yolk shrimp. Seeing him, she greeted, "Commander Shen is here? Have you had your midday meal? Try some." Ordinary river shrimp were small, but those presented to the palace were much larger. When fried with salted egg yolks, they emitted an especially delectable aroma.

Observing the prince's composed demeanor and his hands-on approach to cooking, Shen Anlin felt slightly reassured. He straightforwardly said, "Your Highness, are you well? After leaving your presence the other day, I was confined and interrogated for days about what you instructed me. I truthfully answered that you asked me to pray for Princess Yi Yang's well-being. After three days of relentless questioning, they released me today. My family is very concerned about Your Highness and has ordered me to come back to the palace to inquire after your safety."

Rong Bi was startled. "I'm fine, you've suffered. Were you injured?"

Shen Anlin shook his head. "They didn't use torture, just standard interrogation techniques. They thoroughly searched my body and disrupted my sleep, but don't worry, Father is deeply concerned about Your Highness. Rumor has it that a commander of the Qinghou Guards was executed within the palace."

Seeing Shen Anlin's healthy complexion and agile movements, Rong Bi concluded he hadn't endured any hardships. She nodded and said, "Let them do as they please; we remain steadfast."

Shen Anlin spoke gravely, "Father shares the same sentiment. It's precisely because Your Highness focuses on studying and governs with inaction that they're growing anxious, trying to provoke you into action. Your Highness must stay calm and avoid rash moves, lest you fall into their trap." The emperor now suspected and was wary of his son replacing him, but didn't despise his eldest son or believe there was any fault in the prince's position. However, if the prince, while confined, developed resentment towards his father, it could lead to disaster. Furthermore, there was concern about any deadly items that might have been smuggled into the Baohuan Palace. Throughout history, how many princes and consorts had fallen victim to witchcraft?

Fortunately, this search of the palace had passed without incident. Clearly, the prince's decision to dismiss and reassign palace staff, along with stricter management, had proven prescient. Otherwise, who knew what could have been concealed during his confinement!

Although Rong Bi also feared the worst, she didn't know the specifics, allowing her to maintain composure. She instructed servants to serve the dishes, seating Shen Anlin opposite her for their midday meal. They sipped mint tea and spent the afternoon reading and practicing calligraphy.

Life seemed tranquil, even amidst lurking dangers. Since it wasn't her own life at stake, Rong Bi didn't feel the pain acutely. Unaware of the princess's perilous situation, she merely pondered whether her parents had received her letters and silver, and if they would follow her advice to buy a house and land in the city. Wouldn't they be delighted upon reading her letter? She wondered if her eldest and second brothers had returned from military service, and if her third brother's leg had healed...

At that moment, Rong Bi's cherished older brother, Rong Yi, had just arrived in Guangping City with the Xing Escort Agency's team. Upon entering the city, he immediately entrusted a message to a steward, requesting an audience with his sister, Rong Bi.

Yuan Jun had been plagued with gloom and unease for days. The princess's guards thought that Lady Rong was merely worried about the tension between the prince and princess, occasionally trying to console him. Now, upon receiving reports from the attendants, he learned that Lady Rong's own brother had arrived. They hastily instructed Tang Duoyu to convey the news inside.

Tang Duoyu entered with a broad grin, ready to share the news with Yuan Jun, expecting Lady Rong to be delighted. To his surprise, Yuan Jun was stunned. "My brother is here to see me?"

Tang Duoyu confirmed, "Indeed! His name is Rong Yi. I hear he rushed over after receiving your letter and silver, traveling day and night. It seems he recently earned military honors before retiring and returning home. He has been enquiring about you in the capital through acquaintances. Now that he knows you're in Guangping City, he hasn't wasted a moment in coming all this way."

Yuan Jun: "..." If it were the real Lady Rong, she would undoubtedly be overjoyed. However, he was currently inhabiting this young maiden's body. Meeting her brother would inevitably lead to familial conversations and inquiries about their family, posing a challenge for him to respond.

Yet, turning him away after traveling such a great distance would seem heartless. If the young lady found out, she would surely hold a grudge.

The crown prince, Yuan Jun, frowned, finding himself in a dilemma.