Chapter 82: A Fortuitous Encounter

Chapter 82: A Fortuitous Encounter

After days of bustling activity, the small residence brimmed with an abundance of food, further enhancing the festive atmosphere of the upcoming new year.

It was the last market day before the new year, and Rong Yi planned to visit early in the morning to purchase items for the celebration. After the new year, many shops would be closed, making it difficult to find such goods. He asked Rong Bi if there was anything else she needed.

Rong Bi, however, inquired, "Is it the market at Jade Plate Lane? Could Brother take me along for a stroll?" Her eyes held a hint of wistfulness. "After so many years in the capital, I've never set foot outside the palace gates. I've heard that the market is bustling with numerous shops."

Rong Yi readily agreed. "If you're feeling better, we can go for a walk. If you get tired, we can simply hire a sedan chair to bring us back."

Rong Bi immediately rose with delight. "I'm much better now. Give me a moment, Brother, I'll change into something more suitable for going out."

Rong Yi cast a glance at her without a word, but inwardly, he marveled. A few days prior, when she had visited the Marquis's residence, her health had been far from recovered, her face as pale as paper. Yet, her unwavering decisiveness and resolute demeanor, akin to that of a seasoned general on the battlefield, deterred any of them from offering advice.

From then on, she devoted herself to recuperating peacefully. These days, her demeanor softened, and the sharp, aloof air she once carried was put away. She became more talkative than before, even seeking her opinion before visiting the market now.

With a broad heart, he surmised that she might genuinely regard them as elder brothers. This brought him great comfort, and he cheerfully set about preparing the carriage.

Bai Ying remained at the residence to pack their belongings, while Rong Bi accompanied her outside. Smiling, she said, "Since we're out shopping today, it's only natural that we visit some jewelry and cosmetics shops where young ladies would usually go. Fourth Lady would be more suited in women's attire for this."

With deft hands, she picked out a vibrant indigo riding outfit for Rong Bi, accentuated with a slender leather belt around the waist. The attire was complemented by a pleated skirt adorned with silver fox fur, along with a pair of dark green leather boots. To complete the ensemble, a dark green fox fur jacket was draped over her shoulders, and atop that, an exquisite black silk robe intricately woven with golden threads was worn. Her hair was styled into a cloud-like bun, and she wore a veil-like hat to finish the look.

Rong Yi watched as the gossamer curtain fell, veiling the girl's sparkling eyes, and he felt a sense of relief. Indeed, the girl was exceptionally beautiful. In the north, where there were fewer nobles and the background of the Jingbei Royal Residence provided a sense of security, there was little to fear. However, now that they had returned to the capital city, a place of soft red dust and numerous dignitaries, such a striking beauty could easily attract unwanted attention. Rong Yi, being merely a lowly, rankless instructor of the Imperial Guard in the capital, was not certain if he could protect his sister in the face of any trouble.

Rong Bi, gazing into the mirror, was slightly dazed. She pondered how the Crown Prince seemed to have found a way to switch souls with her. That day, he had gone to the Shen residence to set everything in order, then methodically listed precautions and particularly mentioned Zheng Tanhua's proposal of marriage, urging her to take care of her health. Yet, he hadn't switched back since. It had been over ten days, and she wondered how he was faring in the palace now.

Several days had passed since the snowfall, and the air was peculiarly crisp and biting, characteristic of winter's chill.

The trio embarked on their journey in a carriage, with Rong Yi taking the reins and steering them towards the outskirts of Jade Plate Lane. There, he found a suitable spot to park the carriage before leading them on foot to procure some essential items for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations, as well as stationery—ink, brushes, paper, and inkstones—that Rong Mo would require for her studies.

Next on the list was purchasing daily necessities like toilet paper, as well as visiting the butcher's and poultry markets to buy meat and live ducks and fish for the upcoming festivities. However, Rong Yi found these places unsanitary, so he instructed Bai Ying and Rong Bi to go to a nearby shop that specialized in cosmetics, rouge, and jewelry for women. "Apart from being dirty, those places are crowded with rough men. I don't want you ladies to get bumped into, so just choose some jewelry and makeup in the shop. I'll come over later to settle the bill for you."

Rong Bi, who seldom went out, maintained her composure despite her hidden excitement. She looked around appreciatively, grateful for Rong Yi's concern. Smiling warmly, she said, "Thank you, Brother. We'll wait for you here."

Watching them enter the shop, Rong Yi felt relieved and turned to leave.

In truth, Rong Bi wasn't particularly fascinated by jewelry and ornaments. Despite their beauty, she had long been accustomed to not wearing any accessories due to her years of managing the kitchen. Now, they would only be an inconvenience. Besides, the value of such items often lay in the craftsmanship, which made them less cost-effective. It was more practical for her to keep gold and silver ingots and wear simple silver bangles and hairpins. After swapping bodies with the crown prince, she wore male attire more frequently, further detaching herself from such adornments.

Bai Ying, being a martial servant, also didn't have much interest in these items. Thus, when the two entered the jewelry shop, they mostly observed rather than actively engaging in purchases.

The shop's attendants eagerly approached to greet them. Their sharp eyes immediately noticed the extraordinary quality of Rong Bi's clothing. When she removed her veil, her beauty only added to the speculation that she might be a close relative of some noble family. They promptly served tea and invited her to sit at a nearby round table, asking with a smile, "Miss, what are you interested in? Our store has just received new designs for Eight Treasure hairpins, perfect for wearing during the New Year."

Rong Bi casually replied, "Just bring out a few pairs of bangle sets." In fact, she had been thinking about how Bai Ying and Hong Ying had been working hard for her lately. It would be a kind gesture to buy each of them a pair of bangles.

The attendant promptly laughed and said, "Our shop has recently introduced dragon scale and phoenix feather patterns for our bangles. Both styles are very innovative – the dragon scales symbolize unyielding protection and clarity, while the phoenix feathers represent nobility and good fortune. Together, they convey blessings and harmony. We also have plain, floral, gem-encrusted, and filigree bangles. Which style would Miss prefer?"

Rong Bi glanced at Bai Ying and asked, "Bai Ying, which one do you like?"

Startled, Bai Ying replied, "Thank you, Fourth Lady, for considering us. I'd be happy with a plain bangle, but the dragon scale and phoenix feather ones sound very auspicious. Let's show them to our lady."

The attendant nodded and quickly went downstairs, returning shortly with a gleaming tray of jewelry for Rong Bi to inspect. Rong Bi allowed Bai Ying to choose while she sipped her osmanthus-sweetened tea, idly watching the endless stream of people outside the window.

Having been confined at home due to her illness for so long, simply observing the bustling crowd of people in the capital was enough to make her content.

However, at that moment, she suddenly spotted someone familiar. A round, gentle face, fair-skinned, dressed in an unassuming dark blue cotton robe – the person could easily pass as an ordinary merchant or accountant.

Without thinking, Rong Bi stepped outside the shop and called out, "Grandfather Tang!"

The man with the smiling face and water pipe in hand turned around, revealing none other than Eunuch Tang Xi. He looked at Rong Bi, his eyes widening involuntarily, and his smile became genuine. "It's Miss Rong! I heard you went north. Why have you returned to the capital?"

In Eunuch Tang Xi's eyes, it had been over a year since they last met. But for Rong Bi, he was the one who had taken a great risk to dig a secret tunnel beneath the lotus pond in the Han Palace for the Crown Prince.

Rong Bi's heart pounded as she imagined how much easier it would be for the Crown Prince if she could communicate with Eunuch Tang Xi outside the palace.

She didn't bother with formalities and simply asked, "Is it convenient for you, Grandpa Tang? Could we step aside for a private conversation?"

Eunuch Tang Xi maintained his composure but smiled warmly. "My residence isn't far from here. Would Miss Rong like to come over for a chat?"

Rong Bi hastily replied, "That would be perfect. Please lead the way, Grandpa Tang."

Inside, Bai Ying had already fetched a veil, which she quickly placed on Rong Bi's head. Eunuch Tang Xi led her through the streets, turning down a few alleys until they reached a quiet lane amidst the bustling city. It seemed to be an antique shop, but there were no customers around.

Eunuch Tang Xi guided them through a side passage behind the main room and into the back building. Two young boys greeted him, calling out, "Father."

Eunuch Tang Xi smiled. "Good boys. Your grandpa hasn't been here in a while. Have you been studying diligently? Quickly serve tea to our honored guest."

After leading them to seats, Eunuch Tang Xi finally settled down and said, "Didn't Miss Rong accompany the princess to the north? Why are you back in the capital? You look well."

Rong Bi briefly recounted the events of the past year, feeling somewhat anxious. She wished the Crown Prince were here; he would surely be able to make arrangements or gather confidential information about the palace. However, her last attempt at switching had been a calm and focused endeavor, which had only succeeded once. Would it work now? She had no idea what the Crown Prince was doing at this moment.

Tang Xi, delighted for her, beamed with congratulations. "I always said you were blessed. It seems your good fortune has truly shone upon you. But tell me, what brings you back to the capital now? Is there an assignment from the princess?"

Despite her anxiety, Rong Bi inquired, "It's been so long since I left the capital. The princess summoned me back to assist His Highness the Crown Prince. Can you tell me how things are with him in the palace?"

Tang Xi made no mention of the secret tunnel, simply replying with a smile, "The Crown Prince is resting in the Heng Palace. He was unwell recently, but he's much better now. The Emperor relies heavily on him these days; all the daily reports are being reviewed by the Crown Prince."

Rong Bi felt a slight sense of relief. "So that's how it is. If Princess Jingbei knows this, she'll be much more at ease."

Tang Xi continued with a deeper meaning. "I hear the Emperor is now even more dependent on the Master Chong Xiao. He spends each day practicing Taoism and alchemy with the Master, neglecting his court duties. There have been times when court sessions were canceled for half a month. Since Master Chong Xiao began living in the palace to practice alchemy, he hasn't left its premises."

Rong Bi pondered this, knowing Tang Xi wouldn't speak without reason. She probed, "Didn't Master Chong Xiao often enter the palace before?"

As expected, Tang Xi continued, "In the past, when Master Chong Xiao entered the palace, he didn't engage in alchemy himself; he only presented some elixirs. After all, it's the imperial palace, with strict rules. The Master never stayed overnight. Now, however, he resides in the palace with his disciples, and the palace gates are heavily guarded. Even our kitchen eunuchs must undergo meticulous inspections when delivering food boxes, accompanied by guards who prevent any private conversations with the Masters."

Rong Bi's heart skipped a beat, aware that these low-ranking eunuchs might witness more hidden secrets within the palace. Just as she was about to ask more questions, she suddenly felt dizzy, and her vision blurred.

When she opened her eyes again and regained focus, Rong Bi found herself in a purification chamber within the palace, with a half-written Buddhist scripture before her.

The Crown Prince is here!

She felt much relieved and couldn't help thinking how fortunate it was that the Crown Prince shared a deep understanding with her. He would definitely inquire more thoroughly from Eunuch Tang than she could. After all, he had visited Lord Shen's residence before, and now the Emperor even approved his memorials. With the unexpected turn of events involving Daoist Chong Xiao, it might well be the outcome of his previous arrangements.

In the quiet and inconspicuous antique shop's backyard, an astonishingly beautiful woman massaged her temples as she gazed at Eunuch Tang. Her eyes, which were initially blank, gradually regained their clarity and sharpness: "I'm fine, just a bit dizzy. Eunuch Tang... what did you say just now?"

Eunuch Tang felt a strange unease under her gaze but still managed a smile: "I mentioned that Daoist Chong Xiao at Tianyi Pavilion might be confined while forced to refine pills. As for that unspeakable one, they seem to be basking in prosperity. Perhaps, this pill..." Tang Xi nonchalantly revealed a startling revelation, "has been successfully made."

"Yet, Daoist Chong Xiao is living in constant fear, I hear. The meals sent in are often returned untouched, causing him great distress and loss of appetite."