Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Drunkenness

Qian Kun and Zhao Si returned from the imperial palace. Though their tasks inside were minimal, both felt utterly drained, as if they hadn't rested in three days and nights.

First, they meticulously verified the travel credentials. Then, they inspected the food containers to ensure their seals were intact. Next, they used silver needles to test for poison. Finally, in the presence of officials from the Court of Imperial Entertainments, they handed the food inventory to the female officials of the Palace Provisions Bureau for a detailed cross-check. Any discrepancy—missing or extra food items—could have plunged them into grave danger. Fortunately, no such incident occurred. They delivered the exotic delicacies without a hitch and retraced their steps, heads bowed low the entire way, counting the dark bluestone slabs beneath their feet.

Along the path, they unexpectedly encountered Consort Ning, the emperor's new favorite. The two men swiftly turned their backs, facing the crimson palace walls that resembled dried blood.

"What does Consort Ning look like? Is she truly as beautiful as the rumors claim, like a fairy descended from heaven?" a servant inquired between bites of food.

Upon returning to the Li residence, Qian Kun immediately went to ensure the assigned guards were adhering to regulations, while Zhao Si seized the opportunity to wolf down his meal.

Their sole duty for the day had been to accompany Qian Kun into the palace; no other tasks were assigned.

Even though Zhao Si had been incessantly recounting the palace experience since their departure, he remained tirelessly enthusiastic.

"Manager Qian and I wouldn't dare look. We were so terrified we immediately turned to face the wall. But as she passed by, I heard a clear, tinkling sound, like wind chimes swaying, and caught a whiff of a particularly delightful fragrance."

"The palace walls are incredibly high, even taller than the outer walls of our Li residence. The palace grounds are also vast. If we hadn't had a guide, Manager Qian and I would surely have gotten lost. The palace maids and eunuchs we encountered were as silent as mutes, all keeping their heads down and not speaking. It made Manager Qian and me too nervous to even breathe loudly."

A servant, unable to wait until he had swallowed his food, eagerly blurted out, "Deputy Manager, did you see the emperor?"

Zhao Si shot him a disgusted look as food particles sprayed from his mouth. "Who do you think the emperor is? How could someone like us ever be permitted to see him?"

Everyone was greatly disappointed.

They had only eaten until they were seventy percent full, fearing they wouldn't have room for the food bestowed from the front courtyard later.

Banquet food was always lavish, but the masters typically had small appetites and were more focused on socializing, so much food was usually left over. To avoid waste, it was often bestowed upon the servants.

Word about the precious dishes at this banquet had long been circulating among the servants. The finest ingredients from the sky, land, and water were used. Just hearing the names of the dishes listed on the inventory made their mouths water.

Zhao Si strolled around the outer courtyard with his hands clasped behind his back, faintly hearing laughter and music emanating from the main courtyard. Though separated by just a wall, it felt like two distinct worlds.

Returning to the management office of the Transport Department, Qian Kun had not yet arrived. The room was simply furnished but far from shabby.

A soft couch, tables, chairs, and cabinets were all in place. Zhao Si's eyes immediately fell upon a small pot of wine sitting on the ebony table.

He was overjoyed. Steward Zhu might have a sharp tongue, but her heart was as soft as tofu. She had actually left him a whole pot of wine, when he had only expected a small cup.

He took a wine cup from a nearby shelf, hummed a tune, sat down at the table, and poured himself a drink.

Zhao Si leaned forward, closed his eyes, and inhaled deeply. The aroma of the wine was unlike any other he had encountered—rich and intensely fragrant. He took a small sip, and the strong liquor burned his throat. He smacked his lips but couldn't discern any distinctive flavor from that first taste.

"This wine isn't much different from ordinary wine..." Zhao Si muttered to himself, unconvinced, and took another sip.

A servant entered carrying two plates, a wide smile plastered on his face. "Manager Zhao, from the kitchen."

One plate held fried peanuts, the other some kind of unidentified meat.

Zhao Si gestured for him to place the plates on the table and pointed at the meat. "What's this?"

"This humble one doesn't know either, only that it's called... called... Little Heaven Crisp!"

Zhao Si "oh'd," though he had no idea what it actually was.

"Come, sit. Have a drink with me," Zhao Si said, patting the chair beside him.

The servant smiled awkwardly. "Manager Qian also tasked me with patrolling the kitchen and outer courtyard. I'll drink with you tonight, Manager Zhao."

"Alright, alright, go on then," Zhao Si said, waving his hand regretfully.

The servant grinned ingratiatingly. "Manager Zhao, hehe, could you save some for me... This humble one has never tasted such fine things before."

Zhao Si took a sip of wine and raised an eyebrow. "What, didn't you sneak a bite or two when you brought it over?"

The servant was startled and lowered his head sheepishly.

"Fine, fine, it's not a big deal. I'll save some for you," Zhao Si scoffed. "Look how scared you are!"

The servant fawned, "Manager Zhao, you've even been to the imperial palace. This humble one hasn't even been to the main courtyard. Of course, my courage is smaller."

Zhao Si rubbed his nose uncomfortably. In the palace, he had been trembling with fear, barely able to walk steadily. Where was the courage in that?

"Hurry up and go," Zhao Si said, pouring himself another cup of wine. Whether it was his imagination or not, after a few cups, he slowly began to appreciate the wine's unique qualities.

It was rich and mellow, making his whole body feel as if it were soaking in warm water—extremely comfortable.

-

Dong Yuting, after all, had been a top executive in a public relations company in her previous life. Her ability to climb that high was a testament to her skills. It was only after arriving here and becoming the mistress of the household that she grew lazy about pretending. If she had to bow and scrape and flatter others under this identity, she would truly be degrading herself. Now, dealing with a group of ladies seeking marriage alliances with the Li family was a breeze. No matter how extravagantly or perfectly they spoke, she had just one response: "Yes, I'll make a note of it. I'll discuss it with the elderly madam."

Besides Li Nianyao, there were also those interested in arranging a marriage for Li Bohan. After all, he was already nine years old and would reach marriageable age in two or three years. Even for Li Borui, there were people wanting to arrange a childhood engagement.

Li Bohan was the eldest grandson of the main branch, destined to become the head of the Li family. Those daring to propose a marriage alliance with him not only had to be of sufficiently high parental status but also had to be the eldest daughter of a main branch. These combined conditions made the criteria stringent. Fortunately, Li Bohui was also a good candidate and already twelve years old, so Ceng Huiyan was surrounded by just as many ladies as Dong Yuting.

Seeing her face bloom into a smile like a flower made it clear how delighted she was.

Before long, they had been chatting in the room for quite some time. Princess Pingning then announced she was leaving, and Dong Yuting sent Qiu He to check on the situation in the main hall, only to find they were still drinking.

A few servants came over to relay that the ladies should leave first, as the men intended to keep drinking for a while.

Dong Yuting then accompanied the elderly madam to see the ladies off.

Princess Pingning still led the way, but the dynamics of those closest to her were interesting.

Originally, Princess Wulie and Princess Consort Yongning were walking in the second row. Suddenly, with a quick, competitive step, Princess Wulie moved almost parallel to Princess Pingning, walking side by side with her, leaving Princess Consort Yongning alone in the second row. With two people in front and two behind, her solitary position made her seem awkward.

Princess Zhaoxin, seeing this, quickly pulled Princess Xiankang forward, flanking Princess Consort Yongning like guardians on either side.

Those walking at the front naturally noticed this scene, exchanging glances but not daring to speak.

Dong Yuting glanced at the elderly madam, who remained expressionless as if nothing had happened. Ceng Huiyan's eyes sparkled with excitement, while He Jinglin gazed at the flowers and plants in the courtyard, as if she might burst into poetry at any moment.

The group walked along the covered corridor toward the festooned gate.

Dong Yuting had already planned to rest after seeing them off.

Suddenly, the procession halted as Princess Wulie snapped angrily, "Are you blind?"

The elderly madam's face paled, and she hurried to the front. A servant knelt on the wooden planks, trembling and kowtowing. "This humble one is blind and has offended the noble lady."

"You, servant! What are you doing in the front courtyard? Is this how the Li family has no discipline?" Princess Wulie said coldly.

Ceng Huiyan, following behind, secretly glared at Princess Wulie upon hearing this.

The elderly madam's mind raced, her earlier tipsiness vanishing as she sobered up instantly. She soothingly said, "Today's banquet was hectic, with staff shortages everywhere. The Li residence is short-staffed, so one person often has to do the work of two. Just now, Wang Mama told me the ice in the main hall was running low and sent a servant to fetch more. She also mentioned that General Chen's grandson wanted more golden milk pastries. Even the most efficient managers are overwhelmed, let alone these lower servants. Surely some confused person sent him here on an errand. Please don't take it to heart, Your Highness."

In just a short moment, the elderly madam had devised this response, covering all the causes and consequences. Anyone else would likely have calmed down after hearing it.

Unfortunately, he had to offend Princess Wulie. She ignored the elderly lady and stared at the servant kneeling on the ground, saying, "Look up. What do you do here? Who sent you?"

Zhao Si raised his head in terror, the red mark on his forehead matching his flushed face. His mind went completely blank, and he stammered incoherently.

Everyone could tell he had been drinking.

The elderly lady's heart sank like an iron weight dropping into water.

"Very well—" Princess Wulie's eyes flashed sharply, ready to seize upon his drunkenness as an excuse to escalate the situation.

"Weren’t you supposed to deliver kudzu flower and cardamom sobering broth to the main hall? Why haven’t you gone yet? After delivering the food ledger to the palace, have you already forgotten the way around the mansion?" Seeing that neither Ceng Huiyan nor Zhao Si grasped the elderly lady’s intention, Dong Yuting had no choice but to step in and give him a hint. If he still failed to understand, even she couldn’t save him.

"I already went to the kitchen, but the cook said they were out of kudzu flowers and needed to buy more from outside. I came to ask the madam for the token," Zhao Si struggled to sound calm, though the tremor in his voice was unmistakable.

How could he not realize that he had fallen into someone else’s trap?

The moment he knelt on the ground begging for mercy, it was as if someone had struck his head—a sudden, sharp clarity washed over him.

Upon hearing that he had just returned from delivering the food ledger to the palace, Princess Wulie suppressed her desire to punish him. If she insisted on penalizing him, it might not be her seizing the opportunity to make an issue—others might instead use it against her.

A servant who had just returned from delivering the food ledger to the palace being punished by Princess Wulie as soon as he returned to the mansion—this incident could easily give rise to speculations damaging to her.

The elderly lady and Dong Yuting exchanged a glance. It was clear that the elderly lady now regarded her with immense approval.

Without any prior planning, the two of them had handled the situation with seamless tacit understanding.