Chapter 86: Palace Banquet

Chapter 86: Palace Banquet

Rong Bi met Eunuch Tang Xi once again in that antique shop.

Tang Xi handed her the letter with a smile and said, "I never would have imagined that Madam Rong had such a brilliant plan. If we claim to be the Prince's people, Daoist Chong Xiao wouldn't believe us for a second. But mentioning Empress Luo, he indeed trusts it wholeheartedly."

"Sure enough, these despicable men assume others will fall for their tricks just as they do, believing in their golden pills."

"Should we send someone to capture his disciple and examine those items first, Madam Rong?"

Rong Bi shook her head. "We mustn't alert the enemy." Recalling the advice from the prince, she decided to keep still and let events unfold naturally. "The situation is advantageous for the prince. We'll deliver the letter for him and provide convenience to Daoist Chong Xiao."

Tang Xi glanced at Bai Ying beside Rong Bi with a smile and said, "Please ask Miss Bai to leave for now. I have some private matters to discuss with Madam Rong."

Bai Ying was startled, but Rong Bi turned to her and said, "Go down for now."

Bai Ying bowed slightly and left, guarding the door outside.

However, Tang Xi whispered to Rong Bi, "I know Madam Rong is a person who focuses on the big picture and not the trivial details, or perhaps it's because Princess Yi Yang supports you that you make decisive decisions. Indeed, this approach is appropriate, but the prince is righteous. For this matter, it's better not to tell him."

Rong Bi was momentarily taken aback, her face revealing a hint of confusion.

Tang Xi spoke with a tinge of sentimentality, "Lady Rong, I've been in the palace for many years. Serving the noble is never without reservations. Now that the Crown Prince is confined, but he's still his own father. Little Rong is giving it her all. Yet, one day when the hidden dragon rises, she might start to pity her father again, or perhaps... simply put the blame on you..."

Rong Bi never expected to hear such heartfelt words from Tang Xi. Nonetheless, she secretly rejoiced that it was her here today instead of the Crown Prince. If he had heard this... She quickly reached out to stop Tang Xi, "Eunuch Tang's sincerity towards me is deeply appreciated. However, you're also taking great risks for the Crown Prince. I'll remember what you said, but please don't mention it again. It's possible that our conversation could be overheard, and your efforts might be misunderstood."

Tang Xi saw her genuine expression and smiled wryly, "We both came from humble origins, so it's inevitable to empathize. I've seen many young girls like you before. For a bit of kindness from their masters, they would risk their lives. But a servant's life is a life too. Although Empress Shen has shown me favor, I can help now. But, what gratitude do the Crown Prince and Princess owe you that you'd go to such lengths? You're intelligent and beautiful, don't make a mistake."

Rong Bi replied earnestly, "I've taken Grandpa Tang's advice to heart, don't worry. The Crown Prince and Princess have promised to let me return home once everything is settled."

Tang Xi was startled again, studying Rong Bi closely. Seeing her clear, unwavering gaze, he asked in surprise, "Return home? With your beauty and such great achievements, why would you want to return home?"

Rong Bi looked lost, while Tang Xi shook his head in disappointment, "I thought you had feelings for the Crown Prince... Never mind. Serving the emperor doesn't come without its challenges, but even if you don't seek wealth and honor for yourself, you should at least have the Crown Prince and Princess secure a good husband for you, a title, for a life of wealth and respect. How can you just return home?"

Rong Bi was silent.

Tang Xi counted on his fingers, "Not to mention choosing among the pillars of the state or wealthy families, at the very least, you should choose an upright and virtuous young scholar. How can you accomplish such a feat and then just return home?"

Seeing Tang Xi's distress, Rong Bi chuckled. Tang Xi responded, "Even an old man like me, without children, thinks about securing a future for my adopted sons and ensuring my old age. My dear child, think wisely for yourself!"

Rong Bi bowed elegantly with a blossoming smile, "Many thanks for your consideration, Eunuch."

Tang Xi waved his hand dismissively, "That's enough. I'll leave the rest to Yu Twelve and the others. I've heard you're still recovering from injuries. Return and focus on healing. Leave everything to us." Looking at Rong Bi's radiant smile, he thought to himself, Has the Crown Prince gone blind? With such unparalleled beauty and talent, how could he bear to send her back to the countryside?

He grew worried. Without the support of influential ministers behind her, Rong Bi was unlikely to become the Crown Princess; at best, she might become a concubine. With her personality, she would suffer many hidden setbacks and unjust anger. Indeed, it would be better for her to remain as the official wife outside the palace.

Lost in thought, he secretly planned his next move and reminded Rong Bi, "Always have a backup plan."

Rong Bi acknowledged his words outwardly, but inwardly, she knew that her relationship with the Crown Prince was now transparent. What backup plan could there be? She only hoped that the Crown Prince would overcome his dangers quickly. Their fates were intertwined – their rise and fall depended on each other. She had no choice but to trust him.

With their own concerns weighing heavily on their minds, they parted ways.

In the meantime, Daoist Chong Xiao in the palace received the "Immortal Elixir" secretly delivered by an imperial servant. It came from his eldest disciple, and he was overjoyed. With this new elixir, the quality of the pills he could refine would reach new heights.

Generously, he offered one pill to "Empress Lao."

When the most revered emperor and empress of the empire relied solely on his immortal pills...

He didn't forget the danger he faced, but then he realized that while he dared not divulge secrets to the emperor, with the empress relying on his elixirs to the point of unbearable discomfort if she missed a dose, wouldn't she be forced to grant his requests when the time came?

Since she could evade the emperor's watchful eye and send him prohibited medicine... it must mean that she could also help him escape the palace, right?

When the time came, he would insist that the emperor's surveillance was too tight, making it impossible to provide more. Unless she helped him leave the palace, then he could focus on refining the medicine for her. Wouldn't that give him a chance to escape the palace?

The mere thought of this bright future filled him with relief.

The red pill, along with the medicine previously delivered by Daoist Chong Xiao's disciple, naturally fell into Rong Bi's hands. After the royal physician examined them, he concluded: "This is Black Incense Bait. It relieves pain, aids sleep, enhances virility, and induces hallucinations. A small amount can temporarily alleviate coughing and shortness of breath, but long-term use leads to addiction and chronic poisoning. It's not suitable for prolonged consumption. An overdose would result in immediate death."

Rong Bi tucked the analysis into a book, pondering that the prince would ultimately decide his fate. However, she guessed that the prince had already anticipated Daoist Chong Xiao's desperate attempt and knew these substances were harmful. Otherwise, why would they have cooperated so wholeheartedly with Chong Xiao?

Both the princess and the prince had lost faith in the emperor.

Eunuch Tang Xi was aware that, knowing such imperial secrets, their lives might be in jeopardy once the current ruler ascended the throne. Yet, for some reason, Rong Bi believed neither the princess nor the prince would resort to silencing them. They had to fight back against the tyrant who betrayed both king and father, but if given a choice...

She recalled how the princess, upon discovering that she knew the secret, had intended to execute her, only to be dissuaded by the prince. Back then, they already knew their days were numbered, yet they still spared her life.

Soon, it was time for the New Year celebrations. With the prince's soul still not returned, Rong Bi stocked up on ample food, ensuring they had a genuinely joyful holiday season.

Rong Mo, on the other hand, secluded herself in diligent studies, fueled by her determination. Rong Bi was deeply grateful to the Crown Prince for guiding her in her lessons. This New Year was the most comfortable and enjoyable one she had experienced since arriving in the capital and entering the palace.

She couldn't help but reminisce about past New Year's feasts in the palace when, as a maid of the Imperial Kitchen, she would be swamped with work, her hands immersed in icy water for days on end, cleaning vegetables, scaling fish, chopping fruits, and laboring through the night to prepare the banquet, only to receive a small reward at the end of it all.

Indeed, the palace was following tradition and holding its annual feast.

Empress Luo was hosting the inner court ladies as usual, while for the outer court, Crown Prince Yuan Zixu unexpectedly attended the banquet accompanied by the other four princes.

Many of the high-ranking officials had already received replies to their memorials from the Crown Prince, gaining some insight into his intentions. Thus, they were not surprised to see the prince, who had been "recovering from illness," participate in the celebration.

Each of the princes, including the Crown Prince, recited congratulatory poems in honor of the New Year. The Crown Prince's poem carried a hint of detachment, yet the emperor took no offense and praised him lavishly. He bestowed calligraphy sets and inkstones upon the five princes.

Especially towards the younger fourth and fifth princes, Yuan Yuxi, aged fourteen, and Yuan He, seven, Yuan Zixu displayed great warmth and kindness. Dressed in golden crowns and embroidered robes, Yuan Yuxi appeared as an elegant young noble, while the clever and precocious Yuan He also impressed with his poetry. Although it was common knowledge that their tutors must have prepared them, their comportment alone was commendable.

Throughout the entire banquet, Yuan Zixu's face glowed with a healthy flush, his eyes sparkling with vitality. His wit was sharp, and he engaged in endless conversations with the officials, appearing in the prime of his life. It seemed that the succession to the throne was far from decided!

The courtiers all understood the emperor's intention behind this feast.

Master Chong Xiao, the national preceptor, also attended the banquet and received special imperial delicacies. Noticing this, the officials tactfully avoided engaging in conversation with either the Crown Prince or Master Chong Xiao—didn't they see the guards standing behind both of them?

Who knew if the emperor was merely fishing for information with his actions?

After all, Princess Yi Yang had firmly established herself in Jingbei. Perhaps the emperor was simply putting on a show for Prince Jingbei and the princess!

The imperial banquet concluded amidst everyone's speculations.

After the formal banquet, despite his days of seclusion, Emperor Yuan Zixu still had to adhere to protocol and receive the empress and her concubines' New Year's greetings.

When the ceremony was over, the concubines took their leave one by one, while the empress attended to the emperor for the night. Regardless, on this grand New Year's Day, Emperor Yuan Zixu had to maintain his dignity for Empress Luo.

Empress Luo hadn't seen Emperor Yuan Zixu for quite some time. Now, dressed up meticulously, she personally came forward to help him undress, smiling warmly. "With so many ceremonies today, Your Majesty remains as energetic as a dragon and tiger, full of vitality. I'm truly envious."

Emperor Yuan Zixu was delighted by her words and replied with a smile, "The empress has also worked hard, hosting noble ladies from within and outside the palace. Today, I noticed that Second Son has improved significantly after studying at home. Fourth Son is also well-taught; he even matched my impromptu couplet, and quite skillfully too. Even the grand tutor praised Fourth Son's quick wit."

Empress Luo beamed with joy. "All of this is due to the emperor's grace. The tutors we've hired are excellent, and Fourth Son has indeed made remarkable progress this year. Second Son, now married, has become more composed, not as restless as before."

However, Emperor Yuan Zixu suddenly recalled something. "Why haven't we heard any news about Second Son's wife? How long has it been since their marriage?"

Empress Luo faltered. How could she dare mention that Prince Yuan Zhen disliked Bei Xi's barbarian daughter-in-law and refused to share a room with her? She could only laugh it off and say, "Second Son's wife has traveled a long way, and she seems delicate. I thought it would be best to let her build up her strength before conceiving. There's no rush; the crown prince hasn't given us any news yet." Her intention was to divert the emperor's attention, reminding him that he had granted numerous palace women to the crown prince, yet none had produced an heir.

Yuan Zixu frowned. "Zitong does have a point. Second Prince has already taken a princess as his wife, yet the Crown Prince has yet to wed his own crown princess. It would indeed be improper. As Empress and his stepmother, it's my duty to see to these matters."

Empress Luo: "..."

She cursed inwardly. Didn't you prevent him from marrying a crown princess? Now you're blaming me?

Despite her resentment, Empress Luo expressed remorse on the surface. "It is this concubine's fault."