Chapter 105: Peerless Beauty

Chapter 105: Peerless Beauty

Princess Yi Yang didn't seem surprised but didn't mock him either. Instead, she looked somewhat melancholic. "Back then, when I was still young, I didn't want to marry too early, so I delayed it for a long time before marrying Prince Song. After he passed away from illness, I regretted it. If I had known our fate would be so short-lived, I would've agreed earlier and spent more years with him."

Yuan Jun didn't expect her to mention his sister's sorrowful past, which made him feel awkward. However, Princess Yi Yang smiled and said, "As for the Empress, logically speaking, I shouldn't comment on this matter. But considering the current situation, the Yuan and Guo families need to continue their alliance to prevent the division of the kingdom. Prince Jingbei cherishes his daughter like a precious gem. If the Empress is too ordinary, the children she bears might not meet his expectations. It's unlikely that Prince Jingbei and I will have more children. Therefore, my brother needs to sire more princes so that there will be options to choose from."

Yuan Jun: "…"

Princess Yi Yang got up and said, "There's no need to plan too much about the future. After all, human plans can never surpass heaven's. But if an opportunity is given but not taken, one will suffer the consequences. Since it's a fated encounter, you should cherish it, regardless of whether it succeeds or fails. Sincerity comes first. Besides, you could put in more effort with the Rong family."

Yuan Jun replied, "Thank you, Eldest Sister, for your guidance."

Princess Yi Yang rose to her feet. "I'll attend to Second Sister's matter first. You should give it some thought."

After Princess Yi Yang left, the imperial study fell silent again. The new emperor preferred tranquility, so the original eunuchs and palace maids from Baohan Palace continued serving him. Yan Xin and the others waited outside cautiously, not daring to enter.

But at that moment, Yuan Jun found himself unable to calm down. He had already obtained what he wanted; he told himself he shouldn't be ungrateful.

He stood up and walked to a bookshelf on the side. He took out the familiar blue notebook and slowly opened it, gazing at the initial writings of the woman inside.

She had entered the palace as a child, her cherished name taken away by her parents. For eight years, she toiled in the kitchen, on the verge of leaving but then chosen by Empress Luo for her own selfish purposes. Gifted with a red pill, she was then transferred to her imperial sister's side, walking the thin line between life and death. Yet, she accepted her fate with remarkable calmness and composure.

Never had he seen her lose her composure. When her soul was suddenly switched, she didn't complain or blame others. Always arranging her days with grace and comfort, she transformed even the darkest times into something better. She neither submitted to destiny nor abandoned herself.

Before, he had inferred her thoughts and actions from the few, simple words recorded about her.

Then, when Empress Luo forced her back into the palace, making them face each other day and night, and his father, the emperor, commanded their marriage through wine, she remained unperturbed. Despite being continually caught up in the power struggles of those who treated commoners with disdain, she never held resentment or took it out on herself. Instead, she steadfastly preserved her gentle and kind heart, cherishing every meal and maintaining her initial serenity. Even towards him, the actual perpetrator, she held no grudges, fear, or flattery.

Her character, like water, was gentle yet all-encompassing, miraculously soothing the rage, anger, and self-loathing within him.

He had to admit, that night of the wine and consummation, his unprecedented fury and anger were akin to having his most sensitive spot touched. He despised and loathed himself deeply.

This ultimately fueled his determination. After all, overthrowing his father would defy the years of teachings on loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness. Immoral, disloyal, unfilial – he could no longer endure being an unjust, tyrannical king.

Yuan Jun felt as if his heart, liver, and lungs were being laid bare before him, thoughts jumbled, his mind restless. Deciding to walk to the inner chamber of his study, he found solace in the familiar space, once his quiet retreat in the Baohan Palace. He had deliberately had it moved here, a constant reminder of his imprisonment.

Yuan Jun entered, crossed his legs, and slightly lifted his gaze to the statue of Guanyin. He closed his eyes, forcing himself to push away distractions and concentrate on state affairs.

Droughts needed soothing, floods required prevention, but if taxes were waived, where would the revenue and military funds come from? Most of the court officials had been intimidated by Yuan Zixu, leaving the majority now as cautious, self-preserving, and indecisive. How could he stimulate change?

He needed to promote ambitious young officials, but who could be trusted?

These matters had been weighing heavily on his mind lately, and now they consumed him once more. As ruler, there was too much to attend to; personal attachments were not fitting for an emperor.

The path of the virtuous king is wide and impartial, without bias or favoritism.

He took a deep breath, recapturing the ambition he once held when he was a prisoner, riding into battle on horseback with the intent to conquer the world.

"Why does my sister wish to meet the young lady from the Duke of Grace's residence?"

Yuan Jun abruptly opened his eyes to find Rong Mo before him, someone he hadn't seen in a long while.

Startled, he looked at her, noticing her concerned expression. "Did you not sleep well, Sister? I believe Bai Ying mentioned that your appetite hasn't been good these past few days."

Yuan Jun glanced around, realizing he was sitting on a hassock chair. He asked softly, "Where is Bai Ying?" This... he had somehow switched souls with Rong Bi again?

Rong Mo asked, "Didn't she go to the kitchen? Didn't you ask her to prepare sour soup chicken?"

Yuan Jun acknowledged, but Rong Mo continued, "The daughter of the Duke of Imperial Favor has always been rumored to be a potential empress. Now, there are whispers that your title hasn't been bestowed because they're waiting to crown her first. It's odd. Even if she becomes empress, the wedding ceremony with its six rites must still proceed. Are you planning to wait here until the emperor holds his grand wedding?"

Yuan Jun was surprised. "Where did these rumors come from?"

Rong Mo replied, "It's being said everywhere. Miss Shen's visit now might be an attempt to intimidate you. You shouldn't meet her. Even Zheng Tanhua advised me to at least strive for a position among the four consorts for my sister, preferably the Empress Consort. He's willing to intercede on your behalf with Princess Yi Yang."

Yuan Jun hesitated before saying, "There's no truth in those rumors, Brother. Don't trouble yourself over them."

Rong Mo looked worriedly, "Big Brother didn't want me to tell you, saying he was afraid it would make you overthink. But I think what Third Rank Scholar Zheng said makes sense – our family's background is indeed humble."

Yuan Jun felt slightly annoyed, "Brother, stop guessing the Emperor's intentions behind closed doors. His Majesty doesn't judge people based on their social status."

Seeing her sister's displeasure, Rong Mo was startled and quickly said, "Okay, okay, I won't talk about it anymore. It's all my fault for lacking insight. Don't take it to heart. Father and Mother will arrive in a few days, and then we can have a nice family meal together. By the way, I heard that Second Brother is also coming back to the capital. Prince Song helped with the arrangements."

But Yuan Jun already knew this – he had instructed his people to make these arrangements. He merely nodded and replied, "Third Brother has been overly concerned."

At that moment, Hong Ying reported at the door, "Your Highness, Miss Shen from the Venerable Duke of Chéng'ēn's residence is already waiting for you in the flower hall, sipping tea."

Yuan Jun asked, "Did you inquire about the purpose of her visit?"

Hong Ying seemed a bit surprised. She wasn't particularly skilled in social etiquette and responded straightforwardly, "Didn't Her Majesty mention that Duke Chengen is a highly esteemed official by the Emperor and should not be treated with disrespect? Didn't she instruct us to invite him in first?"

Yuan Jun was somewhat speechless, thinking that Rong Bi needed more astute eunuchs around her, like Cai Fan... and Tang Xi... However, would she be willing to stay?

As he pondered this, he stood up and said, "Very well, I'll go meet her."

Shen Danzhu had clearly taken extra care with her appearance today, radiating charm and allure. Yet, Yuan Jun's mind was preoccupied, and he failed to notice his cousin's attire. He entered and sat in the main seat, observing as Shen Danzhu approached to pay her respects. He gestured, saying, "Miss Shen, please be seated and have some tea. You needn't stand on ceremony."

Shen Danzhu was greatly astonished. She never expected Concubine Rong to be truly so arrogant, entering without a change in expression and calmly accepting her salute. Although this Concubine Rong had yet to receive an official title, she was indeed the only consort with a recognized status in the current emperor's harem. At present, Shen Danzhu was merely the daughter of a subject, without any noble title of her own. Thus, if Concubine Rong genuinely accepted her salute, she wouldn't be in a position to criticize her for being disrespectful.

Yet, her original intention today was to gauge Empress Rong's attitude. Now, her heart skipped a beat as she felt at a disadvantage with the other woman having seized the initiative in the courteous gesture. She couldn't help but feel slightly inferior, thus taking her seat. She observed Empress Rong, dressed in a simple green gown, with an unadorned face that still radiated beauty. Despite no cosmetics, her regal presence was undeniable as she sat there, casually sipping tea as if she were the true host.

She was actually receiving him, as if she were the hostess, in Princess Yi Yang's residence. She dared to behave so haughtily, despite not having been officially bestowed a title by her imperial cousin? Why?

A subtle anger ignited within her, though Yuan Jun was oblivious to it. He simply asked, "Miss Shen, what brings you here today?"

Shen Danzhu: "..."

She smiled and said, "It's just that the peonies in our family garden are in full bloom, especially a rare golden thread peony that my aunt planted when she was young. This year, it's exceptionally beautiful. It happened to coincide with Cousin's ascension to the throne. Everyone says it's truly an auspicious sign, indicating that Empress Dowager is watching over His Majesty from above. I've heard that Lady Rong is currently staying at Elder Sister's residence. I assume she must be quite bored, so I specially came to invite her to appreciate the flowers."

Yuan Jun frowned. "Empress Dowager wasn't fond of gardening back then. Peonies are difficult to cultivate in the north, so why would she spend such effort and resources on cultivating non-native plants? Flowers bloom according to their season, and plants often wither away when moved from their original homes. 'A cluster of dark-colored flowers costs ten common households.' As the Duke of Cheng'en is the emperor's close confidant, he should set an example for other officials. Such a lavish flower-viewing banquet shouldn't be held."

Shen Danzhu abruptly stood up, her face turning red with anger. "Lady Rong is going too far! I came here with good intentions to invite you to enjoy the flowers, but you're spouting nonsense and being sarcastic. You're trying to pin the blame for extravagance on me! How dare you!"

Yuan Jun was taken aback. He genuinely believed it was inappropriate for his uncle to hold a flower-viewing banquet under the guise of an auspicious omen. Thus, he casually suggested postponing the event. He planned to send Yan Xin to remind Shen Anlin later, but he didn't expect his usually gentle cousin to confront him so openly.

He was surprised. "Miss Shen, you've lost your composure. We're all family, and I meant well by reminding you. It's not suitable for the Duke of State to host such an event now, as it might give the impression that the emperor endorses it, leading others to follow suit."

Shen Danzhu's expression darkened further. "Given an inch, you take a mile, huh? Who do you think you are, acting like an empress? The Ministry of Rites hasn't even issued your title yet; how dare you put on airs as an imperial concubine in front of me? Even if Emperor Cousin were here, he wouldn't behave like a sovereign around me. What are you? Just a concubine, yet you dare claim we're one family in front of the Jins?"

Yuan Jun was speechless.

Suddenly, a clear laugh echoed from outside. "Oh, how true that only peonies possess the true beauty of the nation, captivating the capital when they bloom. This flower-viewing banquet is well-timed. Why didn't my dear cousin invite me? I've never heard that Mother planted peonies before. How could I miss the chance to admire them?"

Shen Danzhu's expression changed slightly. She rose to her feet. "Princess." In front of this princess cousin, she felt inexplicably timid and glanced involuntarily at Lady Rong. To her surprise, Lady Rong merely looked at Princess Yi Yang, but did not stand up.

She was astonished. Even in front of Princess Yi Yang, Lady Rong was so assertive! Wasn't Princess Yi Yang her former mistress? What power did she have to act so boldly? Could it be... Her heart sank. Perhaps because Cousin Emperor cherished her so much, she dared to be so arrogant?

Princess Yi Yang entered from outside, casting a mischievous glance at Yuan Jun and said with a smile, "It seems Uncle hasn't taught Cousin much about manners these years. Lady Rong is your sister-in-law, yet you still dare to behave arrogantly and raise your voice in front of her?"