Chapter 101: A Military Petition

Chapter 101: A Military Petition

After the evening banquet, Yuan Jun and Rong Bi continued their leisurely stroll under the setting sun, just as they had before.

In the glow of the orange-red sunset, the Crown Prince appeared composed and dignified, while Rong Liangdi moved gracefully with an ethereal beauty that seemed too delicate for her silk attire. The pair, resembling celestial beings, could be seen leaning on the curved bridge feeding fish or picking flowers to adorn themselves while playing music and jesting. They were truly a match made in heaven.

The Qinghou Guards, responsible for the prince's security, had received many treats from this Rong Liangdi recently. Now, watching them, they couldn't help but envy their lifestyle, whispering among themselves, "This noble lady is truly living a life of bliss, enjoying herself immensely."

"Since the queen has been deposed, the Crown Prince will likely regain his position soon."

"It's hard to say... But looking at how the prince is indulging in this paradise with a beautiful companion, he seems quite content and not thinking of returning anytime soon."

Yu Huan, who had just finished inspecting the night shift positions, overheard their conversation and softly reprimanded, "Do not discuss your superiors in such a manner."

However, the guards were not particularly intimidated by their commander, "Commander, you've been promoted to Grand Commander. When are you going to treat us to a drink?"

Yu Huan had only recently received his promotion, and during these days, many court officials had sent gifts to establish goodwill. Suitors for his hand in marriage had also been coming nonstop. Facing his fellow comrades now, he couldn't help but wear a smile, "Once our shift is over, we'll head back to the barracks. I've arranged a feast from the imperial kitchen, with roasted lamb and suckling pig. After our night duties, we can all have some fun together."

This announcement immediately lifted the spirits of the group.

Yu Huan patted them on the shoulder, cautioning them not to take things lightly. He then asked, "Is Shen Anlin still ill today?"

The Qinghou Guards chuckled. "Yes, it seems he's genuinely sick. They dare not serve inside for fear of transmitting the illness to the Crown Prince. Without Commander Shen's discipline, the East Palace guards have become even more idle lately. All they think about is eating. The Crown Prince never imposes strict demands on them, so their duties are indeed very relaxed."

Yu Huan shook his head but noticed that, as expected, several East Palace guards and eunuchs were indeed watering the vegetable garden. He knew that now they could only do such menial tasks. With no ambition or prospects, they were merely passing the days with half-hearted effort. Disregarding this, he gave a few more reminders about security before leaving Baohan Palace to meticulously patrol the other palaces. Eventually, he returned to the Qinghou Guards' barracks.

In the spacious hall usually used for roll call, candles illuminated the space, and several banquet tables had been set up. Off-duty Qinghou Guards, having shed their armor, donned casual attire and gathered around a gambling table. Each face was animated with excitement, their focused and fiery gazes locked on the dice box being shaken by the dealer. The game was in full swing, with copper coins shifting back and forth between players. With every bet placed, tension mounted, followed by either victorious cheers or losing curses.

Yu Huan walked in and said, "Be careful, why are you gambling again?"

Spotting Yu Huan, the guards joked, "Isn't it because our great Commander has arrived? That's why we can start the feast! We'd be bored otherwise!"

Upon hearing this, everyone put down their stakes and dice, surrounding Yu Huan and urging him to take the seat of honor. Laughter and congratulations filled the air.

The table groaned under the weight of an abundant spread: golden roasted mutton skewers, glistening grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and an array of innovative seasonal fruit desserts.

Having heard that it was to celebrate Commander Yu's promotion, the Imperial Kitchen had gone out of its way to please, selecting the finest ingredients available. These were dishes that the guards rarely got to enjoy.

Unfortunately, due to some of the brothers having early shifts the next day, the wine served was a very light fruit wine, sweet but with only a hint of alcohol. This was a slight disappointment amidst the otherwise perfect celebration.

Amidst the assembled guards, some were diligently pouring wine for their Commander-in-Chief, while others skillfully carved roasted meats. The warm glow from the burning charcoal in the fire pits illuminated the scene, and the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of grilled flesh. Smiles of contentment graced the guards' faces as they exchanged boisterous jokes and anecdotes about the day's amusing happenings within the palace walls, or shared news of the latest delectable wines and novel dishes to be found in the city.

The guards also took turns approaching to offer toasts to the commander-in-chief. Yu Huan, who had been cautious for so long and was now newly appointed to his position, initially kept in mind not to overindulge. However, as everyone came forward in succession to propose drinks, it would have been impolite to refuse each toast outright. Thus, he reluctantly sipped a few cups lightly.

Later, a young eunuch from the Imperial Kitchen arrived with two jars of lamb wine. "I've heard about Commander Yu's promotion," he said. "This is Master Tang's personal recipe – lamb wine made with millet, tender mutton, almonds, and pears. He specially instructed me to present it to Great Commander as a gesture of respect and celebration for your advancement. May your future be bright and your ambitions flourish."

As the little eunuch skillfully cracked open the clay seal on the wine jar, Yu Huan was about to decline. But as the liquor was poured out, it shimmered bright yellow under the lamplight, exuding an extraordinary fragrant aroma. Its rich bouquet filled the air, prompting all the guards to cheer, "Fine wine!" "I've never tasted lamb wine before!"

His subordinates, usually tasked with the solemn and crucial responsibility of maintaining palace security, were not accustomed to jesting around. Yet, on this rare occasion, they celebrated Yu Huan's joy, and he, considering their camaraderie, did not refuse their festivities. They toasted to him, and he reciprocated, savoring the honeyed smoothness of the wine, its richness unparalleled – truly a remarkable vintage.

The young eunuch chuckled and said, "Elder Eunuch Tang mentioned that this wine is smooth and won't give you a hangover. It's also good for digestion, strengthens the waist, and replenishes vital energy. Commander, you can drink with ease."

Yu Huan instructed his men to reward the eunuch, "Thank you, Elder Eunuch Tang, for your thoughtfulness. This fine wine should be shared with him." He then warned, "Those on early shifts shouldn't drink too much. Save some for our comrades who will take over the night shift."

The young eunuch, grinning, took the reward and left.

The guards responded eagerly. With such exquisite wine, they became more relaxed since Yu Huan wasn't being overly strict. People kept rising to refill their or their comrades' cups, downing them in one go. The fine wine lifted their spirits, making the gathering livelier.

After a few more cups, Yu Huan felt the effects of the alcohol, growing warm. Realizing he couldn't continue, he stood up, pretending to need to use the facilities, and slipped away from the banquet. He returned to his quarters, intending to drink some strong tea to sober up. Although he wasn't on duty the next day, as the Grand Commander, if the Emperor summoned him, he had to be ready at a moment's notice.

Pushing open the door, he entered the room, feeling increasingly dizzy. He removed his sword belt and tossed it aside, then shed his soft armor. Pouring himself a cup of tea from the table, he drank it before collapsing onto the bed, planning to rest for a moment. As soon as he lay down, he immediately sensed a warm, fragrant body beneath him. Startled, he tried to jump up but saw the woman embracing him with a smile. "General, I've admired you for a long time. I only seek one night of pleasure with you."

The dim light blurred Yu Huan's vision, yet he could still discern that this was Princess Yuan Yixue. A cold sweat broke out over his body, partially sobering him from his drunken state. Just as he was about to call for help, she kissed him. His arms felt weak, and when he tried to push her away, his entire body turned limp like clay. Realizing he had fallen victim to a trap, he knew ordinary wine wouldn't have such an effect. However, the warm and smooth body of the young woman pressed against him.

As Yu Huan left without returning, the grand hall became even more lively. With their thirst for alcohol quenched, dice were brought out for another round of gambling. Laughter, conversation, and the cries of the game filled the otherwise quiet palace, creating an unusual commotion.

The night was as dark as the deepest cloak, but within the Baohe Palace, silence had long settled. As usual, Rong Bi and Yuan Jun extinguished their lamps early and went to bed. Rong Bi slept inside, while Yuan Jun remained outside, always respecting the proprieties of a gentleman, sleeping with his clothes on, never crossing the line since that one night.

At first, Rong Bi felt a hint of bashfulness, but eventually, she grew accustomed to this tranquil companionship that resembled the mutual sustenance of two fish in a drying pool.

That night, she lay with her eyes closed on the inner side of the bed, inhaling the subtle sandalwood scent emanating from the Crown Prince beside her and his steady breathing. She dozed off long before him.

In the secret tunnel beneath the deep lotus pond, the passage that had just been partially filled was once again excavated. Shen Anlin led a group of agile guards dressed in Eastern Palace attire, filing into the tunnel one after another. Following them were another group of sturdy soldiers in black armor, all bearing menacing swords as they moved silently through the narrow tunnel without making a sound.

In the pavilion above the pond, the lid suddenly opened from within. The Eastern Palace guards emerged from the secret passage like ghosts, noiselessly entering the world above.

Shen Anlin led four guards who usually stood watch in the Eastern Palace out of the pavilion, carrying lanterns as they strode across the bridge towards the guardhouse where the imperial guards were on duty.

By the lotus pond, the Qinghou Guards immediately spotted someone on the Nine-Curve Bridge and barked, "Who's there?"

Shen Anlin replied in a solemn voice, "It's me."

The guards were somewhat surprised. The voice sounded familiar, and seeing the lantern-carrying figure dressed in the uniform of an Eastern Palace guard, they were puzzled. As the person drew closer and they recognized Shen Anlin, they instinctively saluted, "Commander Shen."

Shen Anlin nodded slightly. "Hard work. Didn't Commander Yu host a feast for his promotion today? Why didn't you attend?"

Confused, the Qinghou Guard thought to himself, Didn't Commander Shen take leave? When did he come back? Nevertheless, he maintained his usual courteous demeanor. "I'm on night duty. I'll go after my shift ends."

Shen Anlin smiled faintly, "Then I shall go and offer my congratulations to Commander Yu first; this is indeed a rare occasion for joy."

The Qinghou Guards watched as Shen Anlin strode past them, the lantern preceding him. The bridge once again sank into darkness, and the imperial guard suddenly remembered something, approaching with a touch of confusion to remind, "Commander Shen, the Treasure Box Palace is already locked, entry and exit are prohibited..."

From the depths of the Nine-Curve Bridge, a succession of disciplined soldiers emerged, forming formations in the darkness. One squad drew their swords and hastily rushed towards a familiar checkpoint, while another followed Shen Anlin to the guardhouse.

Shen Anlin stepped into the duty room, where he found the palace guards idly engaged in a game of dice. Though they were startled by his entrance, with armed soldiers in armor and sharp blades in hand, they quickly stood to attention, gripping their swords at the ready.

Shen Anlin waved his hand with a slight smile. "We're all brothers. Considering our past affinities, I urge you to lay down your weapons and spare your lives. Should you resist, I shall honorably pay my respects to each and every one of you in the future."

In the presence of the Qinghou Guards, the stealthy agents watched in horror as they were outnumbered by a group of heavily armed and determined soldiers. With windows flung open, revealing archers fully drawn on their bows, the guards knew resistance was futile. One by one, they dropped their blades, hands bound, mouths gagged, and eyes covered, before being herded into the duty room, all asking themselves the same question: how had these intruders entered so silently?

In the sleeping chamber, Rong Bi stirred awake, her eyes still foggy, as Yuan Jun shook her. "Your Highness, is it morning?"

Yuan Jun gazed down at her, his expression gentle. "Nothing to worry about. There are matters that need attending to, and I fear for your safety alone here. Leave the palace first; I've arranged for someone to escort you out. Your two elder brothers will be waiting outside. Don't return to your courtyard, instead go to the Princess's residence and rest well."

Rong Bi looked blankly out the window, but darkness still reigned. Bai Ying and Hong Ying came to help her don a black hooded cloak, a stark contrast to her usual embroidered dresses and delicate shoes.

Turning back to Yuan Jun, she noticed Yan Xin dressing the Crown Prince in armor, a sword at his hip, leather plating covering his plain robe. His demeanor was grave and authoritative, the usual scholarly nonchalance replaced with a sense of impending purpose, like a sharp sword finally freed from its scabbard, gleaming in the light.

Armored...with a sword...

Rong Bi's eyes widened. "Your Highness?" A chill ran down her spine, and her voice trembled slightly. "What is happening?"

Yuan Jun turned to face her, witnessing the color drain from the face of this captivating maiden, leaving her as pale as a moonlit cherry blossom. His expression was filled with tenderness and regret. "After tonight, if things do not go as planned, the Princess will take you and your brothers north. You can continue your business there."

Staring at the Crown Prince, Rong Bi was momentarily speechless. After a pause, she managed, "Is this the moment Your Highness has been waiting for?"

Yuan Jun smiled softly. "Indeed, everything is in place, and the opportunity is rare. My love, have no fear."

Rong Bi was at a loss for words and could only say, "I sincerely hope that Your Highness's every desire comes true, and that the hearts of the people lie with you."

Yuan Jun gazed deeply into her eyes. "If I were to borrow your good fortune and have my wishes come true — I would never fail you."