Chapter 92: The Honeymoon Night

Chapter 92: The Honeymoon Night

The newly appointed Consort Liangdi entered the palace, first paying her respects from a distance to the Emperor, then visiting the Empress to receive her instructions. Only then did she order her attendants to send her to the Han Palace, where she would serve the Crown Prince.

Yuan Jun was unaware that Rong Bi had been brought into the palace. He was meditating and copying scriptures in his purification chamber.

Outside, there was a hustle and bustle, as if something significant was happening. Yan Xin entered to report, "Your Majesty, the Empress has chosen a Consort for you. The ladies-in-waiting are currently escorting her in and arranging her quarters."

Yuan Jun said calmly, "She can be settled in one of the side courtyards with the other palace maids; no need for her to pay respects."

Yan Xin bowed in response, "As she is a Secondary Consort, she has indeed been assigned to the West Courtyard." Yuan Jun nodded slightly, his heart as still as a pond. He didn't concern himself further, instead continuing to copy the scriptures slowly.

Despite the commotion outside, with the sounds of carriages, palace servants, and whispers, Yuan Jun remained oblivious. After finishing his scriptures, he practiced a set of Eight Pieces of Brocade, then rose to return to his study to review state documents.

When it was time, Yan Xin led the eunuchs bearing the evening meal inside.

Although Yuan Jun lacked an appetite, he still rose to approach the dining table and adhered to his regular schedule. Lately, he had mostly been on a vegetarian diet, avoiding rich meats. Today's meal was no different, consisting only of a few simple vegetable dishes.

A simple stir-fried winter melon was sprinkled with shrimp flakes, while the spring onions were cooked with tiny river shrimp. There was a savory soup made with spring bamboo shoots and salted pork, and a plate of sautéed pumpkin vine leaves, their emerald hues glistening in the sheen of lard, exuding a warm, inviting aroma.

Yuan Jun delicately picked up a piece of spring onion shoot. The leek was tender and smooth, even the tiny shrimp nestled within it offered no resistance to the palate, their presence merely enhancing the vibrant sweetness of the spring onions. Moreover, there was an intoxicating aroma from the fermented shrimp paste that had been sun-kissed, lingering pleasantly in the mouth.

He suddenly lifted his eyelids to look at Yan Xin, his gaze cold and piercing. "Who prepared this dish?"

Yan Xin spoke with a hint of trepidation, "It was Rong Liangdi herself who personally prepared this meal for His Highness the Crown Prince. She entered the palace today, expressing her intention to show her devotion to the Crown Prince."

In times past, the accounting palace maids like her were indeed ones that they, as eunuchs, could afford to overlook, focusing primarily on serving the Crown Prince. But now, this was no ordinary palace maid, but a ranked Consort of the Crown Prince. Moreover, she hadn't even requested an audience with the Crown Prince; she had merely taken it upon herself to descend to the kitchens and personally brew a soup for him.

Moreover, this Rong Liangdi was actually an old acquaintance from the Eastern Palace. It was only upon seeing her that he realized she was none other than Rong Shi, who had been chosen alongside Han Shi for the position. Although he wasn't well-acquainted with her, he knew that she had originally been given by the Crown Prince to the Eldest Princess but had now returned as the Crown Prince's Liangdi, a prestigious concubine with a rank. In any case, she was not someone they, as eunuchs, could afford to offend.

When Yan Xin saw Yuan Jun, usually composed and aloof, suddenly snap his chopsticks in anger and stand up with a darkened face, he nearly jumped out of his skin. He hurriedly followed after, only to see Rong Liangdi standing in the vegetable garden, plucking off a few cucumber blossoms. She had changed out of her elaborate court attire and hairstyle, but still wore the vibrant makeup she had put on that day. Startled when she turned around and saw the Crown Prince emerge, she bowed gracefully.

Yuan Jun had already taken a few steps forward to help her up. "No need for formalities. How did you enter the palace?" Glancing at the people around them, he suppressed his shock and anger, pretending not to know why Rong Bi was in the palace. He asked, "Did your sister send you back to the capital? How is she?"

Rong Bi reported, "The Princess is doing well. The Princess sent me and my brother back to the capital to handle some miscellaneous affairs at the Princess's residence and accompany him for the spring examination. By chance, my third brother passed the imperial examination this year. We were about to express our gratitude to Your Highnesses when the Ministry of Rites issued an edict granting me a title and ordering me to enter the palace to serve the Crown Prince. Thanks to Heaven's blessings, I have the honor of serving Your Highness."

It was the twilight hour, with the sky already half-darkened, yet a lingering glow from the setting sun still illuminated the vegetable garden. Rong Bi held a bunch of yellow flowers in her hand, her appearance breathtaking. Yuan Jun felt a bitter ache in his heart, realizing he had ultimately wronged her.

Rong Bi noticed him engrossed in her flowers, assuming the Crown Prince was curious, she simply explained, "The cucumber flowers are too dense. Some need to be thinned out so the vines can produce better fruit."

Yuan Jun recalled that these vegetable patches were ones she had established within the palace walls. Seeing her genuine delight in the simple pleasures of tending to beans and melons, he spoke warmly, "If that's the case, you may reside in the palace for now." He paused, knowing that in the future, he would find a way to help her escape these confines if she so desired.

Rong Bi bowed respectfully, and Yuan Jun spoke softly, "You must be exhausted today. Go rest in your chambers; there's no need to fuss over these matters. Let the servants take care of it." He could tell, despite the makeup that concealed her complexion, that this young lady's health had not fully recovered.

Rong Bi bowed once more, saying respectfully, "I, the concubine, shall adhere to the Prince's edict."

Yet, Yan Xin suddenly whispered, "The Chief Eunuch from the Luanying Palace is here."

Yuan Jun's expression turned cold as he witnessed Palace Matron Zhou arriving in grandeur with a group of court ladies. Initially, his face had darkened upon seeing Rong Bi discard her formal attire. However, upon approaching, he was startled to find the Crown Prince standing majestically beneath the corridor. Startled, he promptly bowed with the court ladies, addressing him, "This humble servant pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince, may you live a thousand years, and a thousand more upon those thousand."

Ever since the Crown Prince was confined to the Han Palace, he rarely saw outsiders. Normally, he would be polite to the ladies-in-waiting from the Empress's palace, often waiving their need to pay respects. However, today he stared coldly at Palace Matron Zhou and the other ladies, only speaking after they had completed their meticulous bows. "What important matter brings Aunt Zhou to my presence?" he asked in a chilly tone.

Palace Matron Zhou hastily replied, "This servant is carrying out Her Highness's orders. Today, Lady Rong has been elevated to the rank of Princess Consort. Tonight, there will be a wedding ceremony, the wine-sharing ritual, to be performed."

Yuan Jun was taken aback, but Palace Matron Zhou chuckled. "Due to Her Majesty's concern that Lady Liangdi might not attend to His Highness the Crown Prince with utmost care, she specially kept me to give a few more instructions. Furthermore, as His Highness has yet to take his evening meal, I waited for this very moment to come. Who would have thought that in the blink of an eye, Madam Rong would have already changed into her formal attire. Indeed, it was a mistake on my part for letting my guard down. Please, Your Highness, return to your chambers first. This servant will help Madam Rong retouch her makeup before we proceed with the wine-cup ceremony. Only then will today's imperial concubine consecration ritual be complete."

Yuan Jun cast a glance at Rong Bi, standing meekly aside with her head lowered. He thought to himself that if he were to treat her as before, forbidding her from paying respects and isolating her in another courtyard, it was likely that his Imperial Father and Empress Mother would direct their displeasure toward her. The servants would undoubtedly follow suit, mistreating her.

As a prince confined under house arrest, I am in a vulnerable position. She, Liangdi, has risen from the ranks of a palace maid - she will undoubtedly endure numerous indignities in the future. It would be unwise not to grant her this small favor. It's merely a matter of sharing a few cups of wine. As for the consummation of our marriage, no one dare attend us anyway; it will be entirely at his discretion.

He nodded slightly. "In that case, please ask Aunt Zhou to proceed swiftly. Since Rong Liangdi used to serve Princess Eldest, I've heard she's returned to the palace. I summoned her to inquire about my elder sister's well-being. Due to the difficulty in maneuvering formal attire, I instructed her to wear something more comfortable."

He instructed Yan Xin, "Fetch my auspicious robes. I need to change for the ceremony."

Yan Xin promptly bowed his head in response.

Palace Matron Zhou was startled; she hadn't expected the Crown Prince to speak up for Rong Liangdi. But then she considered that the whole palace knew about his deep concern for Princess Yi Yang, how he had angered the Emperor by arranging her marriage and was subsequently confined. Thus, it was only natural for him to eagerly come himself to question Rong Liangdi upon her arrival. She quickly bowed deeply, "This servant obeys."

In that moment, she also dared not underestimate Rong Bi. Hurriedly, she escorted Rong Bi back into the western courtyard, dressing her in a new crown and robe. The servants had already prepared the room with colorful canopies, tables filled with dumplings, auspicious fruits, candies, and a full cup of honey wine, awaiting the Crown Prince's arrival.

Before long, Yuan Jun indeed appeared, dressed in an exquisite, golden-dragon-embroidered robe with a background of apricot yellow. His regal headdress shone brightly, softening the eternal chill that seemed to emanate from his bones.

Rong Bi lifted her gaze to meet Yuan Jun's, only to find him gazing intently at her, his eyes filled with tenderness and a hint of remorse. Palace Matron Zhou was astonished that the Crown Prince was genuinely willing to participate in the ceremony. She had anticipated Rong Liangdi spending the night alone, with the Crown Prince ignoring her. To her surprise, not only did he come to pay respects, but he even changed into the festive attire!

In the wedding chamber, two golden dragon-and-phoenix candles flickered on either side of the altar, while incense burned in a censer, filling the air with a fragrant aroma. A jade-and-gold screen adorned the inner chamber, shimmering and radiant, truly befitting the celebratory atmosphere. With the Crown Prince attired in his festive robes, standing alongside Rong Liangdi, their striking appearance illuminated the room. They were a perfect match, a pair of dazzling gems.

Palace Matron Zhou inwardly schemed, contemplating how to report back to Empress Lao while she smiled and said, "Then, Your Highness, please take your seat. Let Liangdi pay her respects to you first."

No sooner had she finished speaking when the eunuchs outside hurried in again, "His Majesty bestows wine!"

Everyone promptly bowed to receive the gift. Li Dongfu entered with two young eunuchs. Although he smiled, his eyes didn't hold the same warmth as before. Approaching the Crown Prince, he bowed, and Yuan Jun looked at him with a cold expression, "What's the matter, Eunuch Li?"

Li Dongfu chuckled, "Your servant has been commanded by His Majesty to bring the wedding cup to Your Highness and Liangdi. This is Suhe Fragrant Honey Wine, freshly brewed, perfect for the newlyweds. In addition, there's a pair of golden mandarin ducks, a pair of jade ruyi, two seven-foot coral trees, two jade chimes, and a pair of sheep-fat jade plaques as gifts for Your Highness and the Empress."

Yuan Jun and Rong Bi rose to bow in gratitude. Li Dongfu then smiled and said, "Shall Your Highness and the Empress drink the wedding cup? After completing my mission, I can return to report back."

The palace attendants swiftly poured the wine into two cups tied with colored silk threads, presenting them to Yuan Jun and Rong Bi.

A lady-in-waiting sang beside them, "Heaven and earth blend harmoniously, all things become refined. This is a blessed night, the wedding cup brings joy. Sharing the same food, respect and unity are displayed."

Under the guidance of the Palace Matron, Yuan Jun and Rong Bi clasped arms and drank, each taking three sips from the shared cup.

Rong Bi lifted her gaze to look at Yuan Jun. As their cups crossed, his face was so close, his phoenix eyes, long brows, and thin lips were vivid. Even the flutter of his eyelashes was visible. Too close... She could feel the Crown Prince's breath softly brush against her ear.

Her entire face flushed, her ears seemed to melt. Drinking quickly, she noticed that the Crown Prince drank slowly. Her arm was held by the prince, the intertwined spot burning hot, yet she dared not move.

The Crown Prince swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing, seemingly afraid of keeping her waiting. He drained the cup of honeyed wine in one go.

The suheliang-scented honey wine, sweet and alluring, glided smoothly down his throat. It was an exceptionally rare and precious liquor that carried a warm sensation as it coursed through his stomach. Soon, a gentle buzz rose, accompanied by a hint of lingering sweetness.