Chapter 106 – A Knot in the Heart

Chapter 106 - A Knot in the Heart

With tear-stained cheeks, Shen Danzhu bowed and apologized to "Madam Rong" before leaving Yi Yang Princess's residence with swollen eyes, climbing into her carriage without looking back, on her way to the Cheng'en Marquis Manor.

Feeling somewhat helpless, Yuan Jun glanced at his elder sister, who had been laughing uncontrollably since Shen Danzhu left the reception hall. "Why did you come back? Didn't you say you were dealing with Second Sister's matter at the palace?"

Yi Yang Princess replied, "The legitimate daughter of the Cheng'en Marquis Manor came to visit Madam Rong, and the astute house manager sent word to me in the palace. I thought I should come back immediately, knowing that your beloved darling might be slighted by this shallow cousin of ours. Imagine my surprise when I ran into you! Had I known you were here, I wouldn't have bothered."

Covering her mouth, Yi Yang Princess laughed again. "How coincidental that their souls switched just like that! But our uncle and An Lin have helped us a lot. By not giving face to Danzhu, he might misunderstand. However, that Peony Feast is a hint that she is the true belle of the capital, while your little Rong is just another flower. Her cunning scheme is obvious, but only you couldn't see through it and actually believed it was for some auspicious sign?"

Yuan Jun pondered for a moment before saying, "I'll have to trouble you to return to the palace and lend a hand. It might be dangerous for her to be there alone after such a sudden change."

Yi Yang Princess asked, "Why don't you go with her?"

Yuan Jun shook his head. "I have some matters to attend to."

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Yi Yang Princess's lips, but she still scolded gently, "Fine, I'll help you out once more. The sooner your affairs are settled, the sooner I can return to Jingbei."

Lowering his voice, Yuan Jun asked, "Sis... Now that the situation has stabilized, do you want to come back to the capital?"

Princess Yi Yang shook her head. "How can that be considered settled? Besides, Prince Guo Shuji dotes on his only daughter. How could he possibly let her go? Would you have me send the child back to the capital alone?"

Yet, she was well aware of what Yuan Jun had been hesitant to express: "I know you believe Guo Shuji isn't the ideal match for me. Indeed, he is not as considerate and affectionate as Former Prince Song used to be. But he is a formidable leader. How could I, Yuan Yiqing, spend my life with an ordinary man? Now that I have a daughter, I can also showcase my abilities in Jingbei, and Guo Shuji and I share similar ambitions. That is more than enough for me. What sense would it make for me to return to the capital and live a mundane life as a powerless Princess Guardian?"

Yuan Jun spoke with a tinge of melancholy, "It's all up to Elder Sister's wishes. I merely hope that everything will go smoothly and according to your heart's desire."

Princess Yi Yang smiled warmly. "Can everything in life truly go as one wishes? A woman's life is often filled with unchosen paths. Now that I have the freedom to make my own decisions and a beloved daughter, and His Majesty has ascended to the throne, I have no regrets in this life."

Gazing at Yuan Jun, even though he inhabited Rong Concubine's body, to someone like her who was privy to the truth, the distinction between Yuan Jun and Rong Concubine was all too evident.

Despite their composed expressions, Rong Bi exuded the quiet submission and tranquility cultivated from years of life in the palace. She possessed an acceptance and resilience that came with knowing life's inevitable compromises. Her eyes held a serene, ethereal quality, akin to that of a reclusive sage, acknowledging the many uncontrollable aspects of existence. Such individuals guarded their hearts closely, sparingly offering their emotions and rarely entrusting their fate to others.

In a way, she too embodied this disposition, but her birth as the highest-ranking princess lent her a more assertive demeanor.

Yuan Jun, on the other hand, was like hidden waves beneath ice or smoldering flames beneath lava. His silence concealed a readiness to pounce; his brooding countenance was etched with resentment, anger, unfulfilled desires, and beneath his proud facade, a deep loathing for himself.

He despised his own incapacity, and the long years of captivity had narrowed his perspective. He instinctively suppressed his needs, perhaps believing himself unworthy of what he desired, even when heaven had granted him the best. Yet, he still sought to push her away, for he felt that Rong Bi would not find happiness alongside him.

Sympathetic towards her younger brother, she sighed inwardly and asked, "Contemplate this: For a woman to lead a life of contentment, peace, and joy, with every wish fulfilled, how do you think Rong Bi could attain this if she were to return home?"

"Her three brothers have all contributed, so naturally they deserve rewards. They will also take wives when the time comes. How should her high-born status as a former Crown Prince's Liangdi, who was not promoted to a palace consort, be treated by her new sisters-in-law? If she were to remarry, who would dare to wed a woman who has already been the Empress of the current Emperor?"

"Even if you arrange a marriage for her, how can you ensure that the man will remain faithful and not take concubines? After all, one can never truly know a person's heart. How long can you protect her?"

"If you were to grant her family titles and send them back to their hometown, it would be even more difficult to look after her. There are countless ways for a woman to suffer within the inner household."

"Moreover, her three brothers are no fools. They will undoubtedly be entrusted with important responsibilities and kept in the capital for training, under your watchful eye. In the future, they will become great talents, and the Rong family will flourish. The prosperity of the Rong family ultimately relies on their daughter. How could they not treat her with utmost care?"

She observed the dawning realization on Yuan Jun's face and smiled gently, knowing that her brother disliked her and believed she was unworthy, but had not considered the limited choices available to women in this world. With Rong Bi's beauty, if the royal family discarded her, what awaited her was uncertain. While her brothers may currently cherish their sacrificing sister, how would their affection change once they have their own wives and children?

Time is the cruelest of all. Even their father, when he was deeply in love with their mother, could not have foreseen sending his beloved eldest daughter away in marriage or imprisoning the Crown Prince.

Born into nobility, her brother was still too young, only recently reaching adulthood. He knew nothing of the battlefield of courtly women. He failed to understand the true intentions behind Shen Danzhu's invitation to admire peonies and even bluntly told her not to hold a banquet. Poor Shen Danzhu, who had sought to demonstrate her noble authority, was left embarrassed by her own cousin.

She subtly hinted, "Shen Danzhu dared to invite Lady Rong because she believes herself to be the future Empress, and this is likely what Uncle and Cousin also think. You must make a decisive choice. After all, Uncle is different from others; delay could create a rift. Of course, an Emperor should not be swayed by his subjects. You must maintain your own balance."

Yuan Jun replied, "I understand. I was just momentarily indecisive." If not for Rong Bi, any woman as Empress would have been the same. He would not mind fulfilling Uncle's request, as choosing a Shen family bride would indeed reassure Uncle and Cousin.

He was reluctant to let go but hated himself for breaking his promise. He dared not face Rong Bi's disappointed expression, while the Shen family misunderstood his hesitation.

He declared firmly, "Please, sister, convey my regards to our uncle tactfully tomorrow when you have time."

Princess Yi Yang smiled slightly. "That's a good idea. It's been too long since I last saw Dan Zhu. Now that I look at it, she indeed lacks the dignity befitting an empress of the world."

She rose to her feet and said, "I'll head back to the palace first. You carry on as you please."

Yuan Jun stood up to see her out. Watching Princess Yi Yang hurry back into her carriage, his thoughts were still in disarray. But he also felt a bit weak and fatigued. He was slightly surprised. Could it be that Rong Bi's health had not yet fully recovered?

That sense of self-loathing rose within him again. Seeing his pale face, Bai Ying, who was standing by his side, offered considerately, "Your Majesty, why don't you have some soup when you return? White Ying mentioned earlier that the sour soup is ready. Didn't you say this morning that you wanted to have some? It smells delightful."

Yuan Jun did feel a bit hungry, so he followed her suggestion and returned to his chamber. As expected, Bai Ying had people bring over a food box. When he opened it, he was greeted by the pungent aroma of a large bowl of bright red chicken soup.

Bai Ying introduced with a smile, "This is made according to Lady's instructions. It's a soup of tender chicken and fish slices cooked with pickled cabbage, with added fresh bamboo shoots and mushrooms. A dash of vinegar was added after it was cooked, making the soup exceptionally delicious."

"As for these dishes, the kitchen prepared them based on your recent preferences. Since you've been feeling thirsty and wanting congee, they made apricot milk rice porridge. And these sour-fennel pork buns, you mentioned that you enjoyed them the other day, so the kitchen made them again today."

"Also, there's this plummy roasted duck, specially prepared without much grease, and salt-roasted shrimp without any oil."

Yuan Jun nodded slightly and first took a bite of the sour-fennel pork bun with his chopsticks. A strong fragrance instantly filled his mouth, blending with the unique aroma of fennel in the slightly sour meat filling, creating an unusually delectable taste.

After consuming the steamed bun, the emptiness in his stomach was somewhat alleviated. He sipped on the congee twice and allowed Bai Ying to serve him slices of fish and chicken from the soup. He took a few bites, finding them indeed tender, tangy, and delightful, followed by another sip of the sour soup – it was truly delectable.

By the end of the meal, he felt that every dish here seemed more refined than those in the palace, with much better flavors. The roast duck was indeed not greasy, its sweetness blending harmoniously with the sugared plums and honey, complemented by the crispy skin, making one's appetite soar. He had unconsciously consumed quite a bit.

Somewhat surprised, he put down his chopsticks, wondering if the cooks here were better than those in the palace or if Rong Bi's guidance was exceptional.

During his time at the BaoHuan Palace, he had indeed seen Rong Bi instructing others on cooking, specifying the water temperature, the choice cuts of vegetables, and the timing for adding wine and vinegar – all with meticulous attention to detail.

These days, he had been preoccupied with his ascension to the throne. Now, reminiscing about the peaceful days spent dining with Rong Bi, he found them even more precious.

Bai Ying instructed the attendants to clear the table but whispered to Rong Bi, "Your Majesty, I've noticed that you've been favoring sour foods lately and seem easily fatigued. Perhaps it would be wise to summon an imperial physician for a checkup."

Yuan Jun looked startled at Bai Ying, who thought Rong Bi would decline as she usually did. She lowered her voice, "Your Majesty! Your small postpartum period has already passed a month, yet there is no sign of conception. This is a serious matter! What is your plan, Your Majesty?"

She knelt down, facing Yuan Jun, "Your Majesty should not be impulsive. Miss Shen has already shown her dominance. If Your Majesty doesn't assert yourself now, when will you? It's time to act."

Yuan Jun turned abruptly, his gaze sharp as a knife, "What are you saying?"

Bai Ying spoke urgently, "Your Majesty, these days, you've been looking listless with a preference for sour foods, and your appetite has increased. Most likely, you carry a royal prince. With the Emperor's concubine appointment delayed, Your Majesty should not be impulsive. Summon a physician for a checkup. Even if it's not so, considering your past contributions, the Emperor won't give you a low rank! His affection for you is extraordinary. With a prince or princess, being the eldest, it would ensure your future security."