Chapter 26: Awake, he holds the power of the world; drunk, he rests on the lap of beauty. A man’s ambition is fulfilled—what could be more thrilling?

Chapter 26: To wake up with the world in your hands and sleep with a beauty by your side—what could be more exhilarating for a man who has made it?

The Prince of Jiangxia's palace sits high in the city. From there, you can see the Yangtze River rushing in the distance.

Jiangxia, located by the Yangtze River, is a key town in the dynasty. Xiao Wei was first granted this fiefdom, a sign of the late emperor's trust in him.

Xu Jiao was visiting Jiangxia for the first time. Since the Shiqian Hall often echoed with the Jiangxia accent and the palace served many Jiangxia delicacies, everything about Jiangxia felt both strange and familiar to Xu Jiao.

Before leaving, Xiao Wei said, "If you want to see Jiangxia, just tell Lin Ji, and he'll show you around."

Xu Jiao slid the wooden hairpin through his jade crown and smiled, "Not today, there's a banquet tonight."

Even so, Xu Jiao wasn't one to sit still. She had Lin Ji guide her and took a stroll around the palace.

Lin Ji, a disciple of Guo Shou, stayed in the palace to handle palace affairs.

The Jiangxia palace's layout was similar to Jianye's, with a central axis running through it.

"The front areas are the outer halls and vassals' official residences. His Highness's living quarters are in the Jiming Hall's several chambers."

Today, the Jiming Hall was taken over for an external court meeting, so Xu Jiao couldn't go there.

Lin Ji added, "Further back to the left are the ladies' residences. Lady Chen—no, now she's a Noble Consort—used to live in the Yunyin Studio."

Chen Zhiying's residence? Xu Jiao pictured the gentle, respectful Chen.

Xu Jiao suddenly felt uneasy. Since leaving Jinling City, despite the perilous journey, Xiao Wei had only her by his side, and they often shared meals and quarters. The beautiful women in Jinling City's Jianye Palace seemed to fade away, like flowers in a mirror or the moon on water.

But now, Xu Jiao realized that her closeness with Xiao Wei, like a common couple, was just as fleeting as flowers in a mirror or the moon on water.

"Then, Imperial Attendant, lead the way. Let's go see."

The Yunyin Studio was small and finely crafted. The room had been empty for a while, but some furniture and chairs remained. The decorations and utensils were gone, leaving just an empty studio.

Xu Jiao wandered around the studio, feeling a bit bored. Behind the studio was a small building, and Xu Jiao decided to climb up the stairs. She pushed open the window and could vaguely see the Wangshu Pond.

The misty waves were vast, and the scenery was pleasant. She certainly knew how to pick a place.

Xu Jiao asked again, "Where does Xu Qingning live?"

Lin Ji pointed, "Lady Xu lives in the Qiuyue Pavilion; you can see it under that roof."

Xu Jiao murmured, "So close, they must be very close."

"That's right, that's right. Back then, His Highness brought Lady Xu into the mansion and entrusted her to Lady Chen for good care."

Xu Jiao looked at the green roof not far away and couldn't help but feel a bit emotional.

Chen Zhiying came from a humble background and was only the adopted daughter of Chen Xuan, but as Chen Xuan rose step by step, she had now reached the position of Noble Consort.

Xu's background was actually somewhat better than Chen's, but unfortunately, her brother died in battle, and there was no one left in her family, so she had to remain subordinate to Chen Zhiying, serving her diligently.

When people leave, the tea turns cold. Who knows what Xu Qingning feels in her heart?

The cold wind lifted Xu Jiao's hem, and Lin Ji quickly had someone move the heater closer, advising, "The building has been empty for a long time and is naturally cold. Now that the wind is blowing through, it's better to go down early, lest you harm your precious body."

Xu Jiao nodded, "I suppose the ladies who entered the palace with His Majesty used to live here."

"Yes, several ladies lived here, as well as a few people sent from the palace."

Xu Jiao stopped in her tracks, "The ones sent from the palace, you mean?"

"After His Majesty was granted the title of prince, the late emperor bestowed a few women, and later, some beautiful ladies were also sent from the palace in Jianye."

This was indeed the usual practice. Xu Jiao recalled the looks of the palace concubines, but it seemed none were of such origins.

Xu Jiao said, "It seems His Majesty did not grant them any titles after ascending the throne."

Lin Ji hesitated, "Most of these ladies have not been favored."

Not been favored?

Xu Jiao asked in confusion, "Does His Majesty dislike all of them?"

This question left Lin Ji at a loss for words.

Xu Jiao gave Lin Ji a meaningful look. Not bringing any into the palace was indeed out of character for Chen Zhiying's virtuous demeanor of "sisters walking together."

"What about the palace maids?"

"A few ladies fell ill due to the change in climate and passed away, and the remaining ones are housed on the other side of Wangshu Pond."

"Wangshu Pond?"

Qingxiu suddenly said, "Traveling to and from the other side of Wangshu Pond would take at least two hours."

Lin Ji said, "Madam, it's getting late, and the banquet is about to start. What do you think—"

Xu Jiao glanced at the sky and nodded to Qingxiu and Lin Ji, "Let's head back."

To shield from the wind, Lin Ji arranged for a carriage. Qingxiu assisted Xu Jiao into the carriage, and the curtains fell, leaving only the two of them.

Xu Jiao reclined on the couch and asked familiarly, "Did you used to come here often?"

Qingxiu shook her head, "Lord only brought me here a couple of times. But His Majesty and Lord are on closer terms, and they would hold banquets at Wangshu Pond, so I knew about it. However, being of low status, I never attended the banquets, only waited outside to serve."

Hearing this, Xu Jiao said with some boldness, "No worries, today you'll come with me, and I'll show you around."

Qingxiu felt uneasy, but Xu Jiao comforted her, "What are you worried about? You're going to be a noblewoman someday."

Qingxiu nodded, somewhat moved, "Madam's free-spirited and unrestrained nature makes me deeply envious. It truly seems like nothing in this world can trouble Madam."

Xu Jiao was amused by her words, but the smile did not reach her eyes.

Free-spirited and unrestrained, the things that trouble her, there are indeed many.

Xu Jiao thought, and suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her chest. She turned her face away, gripping the armrest to steady herself for a moment before feeling better.

Xu Jiao frowned slightly. She took her medicine daily, so why was the illness acting up again?

Qingxiu, seeing beads of sweat suddenly appear on Xu Jiao's forehead, asked in surprise, "Madam, what's wrong?"

Xu Jiao waved her hand and turned to say, "I want to ask you something, and you must tell me the truth."

"Have you seen His Majesty's former concubines in Jiangxia?"

Qingxiu shook her head, "Being of low status, I have never seen them."

Xu Jiao thought to herself, what a pity.

While they were talking, the carriage pulled up. Xu Jiao, helped by Qingxiu, changed into her formal attire and put on the required golden hairpins and floral decorations.

The front of Jiming Hall was already lit up brightly. Xiao Wei had asked for a simple setup, so there were no silk flowers or fancy decorations, but red banners and charms were hung to bring good luck for the new year.

Xu Jiao sat in the side hall for a while, and soon some noblewomen came to keep her company and chat.

Guo Shou hurried over and said, "His Majesty is reminiscing with some old friends, so it will take a bit longer."

Xu Jiao nodded and said, "No problem."

One of the noblewomen joked, "It’s not often His Majesty comes back, all dressed up and back in his hometown. Of course, he’s happy to see old friends."

Xu Jiao picked up her tea and blew on it softly.

"Returning to his hometown in splendor" — the phrase felt a bit off. After all, the emperor was born and raised in Jinling.

After some time, Xiao Wei finally wrapped up his earlier meetings. Xu Jiao noticed how cheerful he looked, his face lit up with happiness.

Xu Jiao teased, "Your Majesty looks quite handsome today."

Xiao Wei took her hand and, noticing the peachwood hairpin she’d carefully tucked into her hair, smiled and said, "This hairpin looks beautiful."

Xu Jiao caught a faint whiff of alcohol on him.

Had he been drinking already? He seemed in such a good mood.

She frowned a little and whispered, "You’ve just gotten over your injury. Drinking isn’t good for you."

Xiao Wei brushed it off, "Today’s a special day."

Xu Jiao followed Xiao Wei into the banquet hall. Right away, she could tell this banquet wasn’t like the ones in Jinling.

Everyone bowed respectfully, but Xu Jiao noticed many people sneaking glances at her.

They seemed very curious about her being there.

As the banquet went on, the wine made the atmosphere more lively.

A few seats near the main table were set aside for some of Xiao Wei’s old friends who held lower-ranking positions.

Their conversation was a bit stiff, as if they were always aware of Xu Jiao and kept a polite distance.

Xu Jiao couldn’t join in their conversation, so she let her eyes wander around the room.

To the lower left sat an older woman. From her clothes, she seemed like an ordinary noblewoman from the countryside.

But the high-ranking noblewomen around her treated her with a lot of respect.

Qingxiu whispered, "That’s Lady Han, a fifth-rank noblewoman from Jiangxia. She looked after His Majesty for years."

So that’s how it was. Xiao Wei had only given her a low-ranking title, which seemed a bit cheap.

Xu Jiao couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Wei, who was drinking, the atmosphere around him growing even more lively.

Xu Jiao gently pressed down on the wine cup and looked at Xiao Wei.

Xiao Wei pushed her hand aside and poured himself another cup. Xu Jiao frowned at him, then frowned at the officials urging him to drink.

The officials, uncomfortable under Xu Jiao’s stare, hesitated and stopped in their tracks.

Xiao Wei drained his cup in one gulp, only then did the others dare to continue drinking with him.

Xu Jiao was furious. The fact that the emperor had been assassinated and was injured was classified information and could not be disclosed. She had no choice but to discreetly signal a young maid to swap the wine in the jug with water.

The young maid accepted the task but was gone for a long time. Xu Jiao, growing impatient, sent Qingxiu to investigate.

After a long while, Qingxiu returned, carrying a wine jug, which she placed on the table.

Seeing Qingxiu's troubled expression, Xu Jiao asked in a low voice, "What happened?"

Qingxiu replied, "The official in charge insisted that it was the wine the Emperor requested and did not dare to alter it without permission. The young maid was too timid to argue and just stood there awkwardly. When I went, I could only say that Madam was not good with alcohol and wanted water. They said they needed to find a clean and good-quality jug and boil spring water, which caused the delay."

Xu Jiao sneered, "I never thought I'd have to face such a show of power in the inner court."

She narrowed her eyes and asked, "Who is in charge of this banquet? They couldn’t even provide a clean jug."

Qingxiu shook her head and sighed, "Madam Han is in charge."

Xu Jiao glanced at Xiao Wei, who was conversing warmly with Madam Han, and thought to herself that this was a bitter pill to swallow.

She swapped the wine jug on the table for one filled with water.

The banquet seemed rather lackluster, so Xu Jiao turned her attention to the singing and dancing.

It occurred to her that she didn’t know what kind of performances Xiao Wei favored. In the palace, Xiao Wei had always been reserved, but now that Madam Han was arranging it for him, it must be something he liked.

Indeed—

The performers were delicate and graceful, exuding a gentle aura, like white blossoms beneath the eaves—neither flashy nor alluring, but soothing as a spring breeze and as subtle as a misty drizzle.

Xu Jiao thought to herself, wasn’t this reminiscent of Noble Consort Chen?

She then pondered why He Yin couldn’t embody such qualities.

As the moon rose to its peak, the music and singing gradually faded away.

Madam Han helped Xiao Wei to the carriage and advised, "Your Majesty must be tired today. I’ll remain in the palace, and we can address matters tomorrow." She then turned to Guo Shou and said, "Take good care of His Majesty."

Xiao Wei and Xu Jiao boarded the carriage. Xiao Wei said, "I understand, Madam Han, you should rest early too. Guo Shou, arrange for a warm sedan to take Madam Han back."

Inside the carriage, Xiao Wei shut his eyes to rest. Xu Jiao watched the figures gradually receding outside the window and said, "Madam Han is deeply devoted towards Your Majesty."

Xiao Wei loosened his collar, "Madam Han has shielded me for years, like a mother would."

Xu Jiao was curious and asked, "Why doesn't Your Majesty bring Madam Han to Jinling to provide for her?"

Xiao Wei, slightly intoxicated and disoriented, leaned casually against Xu Jiao.

"She is straightforward and her health is not good. Back then, I feared I couldn’t protect her."

Xu Jiao’s hands trembled at his words. Back then, he feared he couldn’t protect her?

What past? Which past? Who wanted to harm her?

Xu Jiao had an inkling of the answer, but she couldn't help asking, "Who wanted to harm Your Majesty again?"

Xiao Wei chuckled. His eyes, tinged with a ghostly red from the alcohol, were deep and luminous, yet Xu Jiao sensed a cold, unfathomable abyss beneath them.

He was indeed on guard against his aunt!

Xu Jiao felt a tinge of helplessness in her heart. No matter how much time passed, even though the person was gone, this knot remained untied.

Entering the hall, Xu Jiao saw Xiao Wei staggering and shouting about the heat. She stepped forward to check his scars. Seeing they weren’t serious, she relaxed and scolded him, "Your Majesty, you can’t drink like this! Your injury just healed a few days ago."

Xiao Wei waved his hand, "I know what I’m doing."

She called out to Qingxiu to make some sobering soup, then turned back and said, "Too much drinking is bad for you. You can’t keep doing this. I’ll have someone ban all the alcohol."

Just as she stood up, Xiao Wei grabbed her, his tone displeased, "Now you think you can decide for me?"

His words were sharp. Xu Jiao froze, unsure how to respond.

Guo Shou, however, came in from outside holding a cup and said, "Madam Han already made this for you, Your Majesty."

Hearing this, Xiao Wei released Xu Jiao and laughed, "Auntie really looks out for me."

Xu Jiao sneered inwardly. Caring too much just causes trouble. Back when she hoped he’d die early, letting him have his way kept things peaceful. Now, caring for his health, she was scolded and treated as the villain.

Fine, let them do as they please.

Xu Jiao lifted her skirt and sat on the couch across from him, watching as Guo Shou brought the sobering soup over.

Xiao Wei had undone his belt, his robe hanging open, and he took a few gulps from the bowl. Seeing Xu Jiao sitting upright opposite him, he found fault again, "Aren’t you going to feed me, huh?"

Indeed, she had been feeding him medicine these past few days, but now she was supposed to feed him this?

What a joke! Xu Jiao wanted to slap him!

"Fine, I won’t drink," Xiao Wei said, flopping back onto the cushion.

Guo Shou sighed deeply, he brought the bowl to Xu Jiao and whispered, "His Majesty’s in a great mood, probably drunk. Please humor him, Madam."

Seeing Xu Jiao unmoved, he added, "In all these years, I’ve never seen His Majesty this drunk. Please, Madam."

Xu Jiao shot Guo Shou a look, grabbed the bowl, and unceremoniously shoved a spoonful into Xiao Wei’s mouth, not caring if he swallowed or not, then shoved another spoonful.

Then she said sweetly, "Your Majesty, drink slowly," as she shoved another spoonful in.

Xiao Wei felt extremely content today.

Jiangxia was a place he’d worked hard to build up during his early, struggling years. He had lived there for almost ten years and had long considered it his hometown.

With Empress Dowager Xu gone, the pressure lifted, and he felt free. No one could challenge him now.

Returning to his hometown in wealth and honor, even though he was always self-restrained, he couldn't help but feel this joy.

Looking at Xu Jiao's alluring lips opening and closing, he smiled and pulled her into his arms.

To rule the world when awake, to rest drunk on a beauty’s lap—what greater joy could a man desire?