Chapter 85 Drunken Charm

Chapter 85: Tipsy Charm

The imperial study was filled with a subtle, pervasive fragrance.

Ning Xiang lay weakly before the desk, glistening with fragrant sweat, exuding an air of languid sensuality.

The Emperor leaned back in his chair, satisfied, and teasingly pinched the soft flesh at her waist, his tone tinged with lingering desire. "Beauty Su, your natural, unique fragrance truly makes it impossible for me to resist. If it weren't for those old fogies in court keeping a close eye on the Office of Imperial Affairs, I'd want to have your name on my roster every night."

Though his harem was filled with countless beauties, none were as enchanting as Beauty Su. Not only did she carry this unique fragrance, but she was also deeply skilled in the pleasures of the bedchamber, making him utterly captivated.

Ning Xiang rose, dressing herself demurely. "To receive Your Majesty's favor is a blessing your concubine has cultivated over ten lifetimes."

She had received specialized training; even the act of dressing carried a hint of coy, alluring resistance.

The Emperor felt a surge of heat in his chest. He pulled her onto his lap, eager to taste her sweetness once more.

Ning Xiang placed a finger on his lips, her expression soft and seductive. "Your Majesty seems in exceptionally high spirits today. Is there some joyous news? Why not share it with your concubine, so she may rejoice with you?"

The Emperor laughed heartily. "My beloved consort truly understands my heart! Today, I thoroughly humbled that Censor Gu's pride. That old thing came begging me to rescind the order sending his son west with the Third Prince to suppress the bandits. Naturally, I refused outright! Seeing him retreat with a face as mournful as if he'd lost his parents brought me immense pleasure!

You don't know, that old fellow, relying on his seniority in court, has often made veiled criticisms against me, utterly arrogant and overbearing! I've long wanted to teach him a proper lesson!"

"Your Majesty is wise." Ning Xiang smiled coquettishly, a playful glint in her eyes. "The Third Prince is sure to perform meritorious service on this campaign to Xiyu. Shouldn't Your Majesty bestow rewards to show your favor?"

The Emperor's gaze turned cold. He suddenly pinched her chin, his smile playful yet devoid of warmth. "The Third Prince has not yet achieved merit. How can I bestow rewards? Beauty Su, aren't you being a bit too hasty?"

Ning Xiang feigned alarm, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly like a startled fawn, pitiful and delicate. "Your concubine deserves death! Your concubine has overstepped! I beg Your Majesty for forgiveness!"

"Enough. You may withdraw now. I am somewhat weary." The Emperor waved his hand dismissively, his tone indifferent. "Have Chen Shun come in to attend to my change of clothes."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Ning Xiang hurriedly straightened her garments, wearing an expression of fearful unease, and hastily retreated from the imperial study.

The moment she turned, a fleeting, triumphant, sly smile crossed her face.

After Ning Xiang left, the Emperor, while having Chen Shun assist him in dressing, issued a cold command. "Investigate secretly for me whether the Third Prince and Beauty Su were previously acquainted!"

"This servant obeys!" Chen Shun promptly responded.

A flash of chilling ruthlessness passed through the Emperor's eyes.

If the Third Prince dared to extend his reach into the imperial harem, that would be utterly audacious.

For a prince like him, the greater his ability, the greater the threat he posed.

His princes must be dutiful subjects, not a Crown Prince coveting the Throne, ready to replace him at any moment!

—

Gu Yiting ultimately could not escape this fate and was forced to embark on the westward journey.

Before departing, he bid a reluctant farewell and entrusted his mother, "That jar of peach blossom wine I buried in the backyard—if Brother Lin comes, please give it to him on my behalf. He is a man who lives for drink, and I promised long ago to gift it to him."

"That inkstone from Jiangnan in the study—I purchased it specifically for my teacher. Please remember to deliver it to his residence without fail, to express my respect and gratitude."

"And those treasured calligraphy and paintings of mine..."

Gu Wanying, seeing him off nearby, grew increasingly irritated and couldn't help but complain, "Brother, these trivial matters can wait until you return safely. Why go on and on like this, only adding to the sorrow?"

Gu Yiting was taken aback by her words, suddenly realizing that everything he had just said sounded like he was delivering last wishes.

He felt as if he had plunged into an icy abyss. A strange chill shot from the soles of his feet to the top of his head, and a powerful sense of foreboding surged within him.

His mother also noticed his odd state and tightly grasped his hand, asking with concern, "Ting'er, what's wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?"

"Mother, don't mind him. He's just deliberately stalling for time!" Gu Wanying said impatiently. "Brother, the Third Prince and the suppression army are waiting for you! Delaying the schedule is a punishable offense! Hurry and set off!"

Gu Yiting had no choice but to forcefully suppress the lingering sense of ominous foreboding in his heart and bid farewell to his mother and sister with a wave.

Censor Gu, worried sick over this matter, had fallen gravely ill and was still confined to his sickbed.

Their Gu family's attempt to seek Jiang Shuning's hand in marriage had thoroughly enraged the Fourth Prince.

Now, apart from strictly obeying the imperial decree and accompanying the army westward, there was simply no other way out.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Xiuzhan lightly lifted a corner of the curtain, his gaze coldly falling on the slender figure not far away.

He saw Gu Yiting, carrying a bundle, cautiously boarding another carriage.

An attendant beside Xiao Xiuzhan lowered his voice and said, "Your Highness, His Majesty insisted on having Censor Gu's only son accompany us. Could it be he wants to plant a spy by your side?"

Xiao Xiuzhan sneered, full of disdain. "He's nothing but a weak scholar who couldn't hurt a fly. What influence could he possibly have? Could he possibly follow this prince deep into the bandit lair to spy on crucial matters?"

"Your Highness is wise!" the attendant quickly agreed. "When the time is ripe, this subordinate will naturally find an excuse to send him away, lest this fellow proves a hindrance and ruins Your Highness's grand plans!"

A flash of cold light, like winter frost, passed through Xiao Xiuzhan's eyes.

—

Upon hearing the news that the westward army had set off, Jiang Shuning was in high spirits that very evening. She specifically ordered a fire to be lit in the octagonal pavilion in the backyard and had everyone from the Cuizhu Courtyard gather to roast lamb and drink fruit wine.

In the pavilion, maids and matrons sat around the fire, toasting and exchanging cups, their laughter and cheerful chatter creating a lively atmosphere.

Seeing Jiang Shuning had already knocked back several cups of fruit wine, her cheeks flushed a becoming pink, Ling Wu couldn't help but ask, "Young Miss seems to be in exceptionally good spirits today. Is there some joyous occasion?"

"Of course!" Jiang Shuning smiled radiantly, her tone carrying a hint of barely suppressed excitement. "That damned man is finally about to meet his end! Soon, there will be no more Xiao Xi—"

Hearing this, Ling Wu and Xia Chan immediately turned pale with fright. They hurried forward to cover her mouth. "Young Miss must have had too much to drink and started talking nonsense! Such words must never be spoken carelessly!"

"Elder Sister, what has made you so happy?" A clear, pleasant young male voice sounded.

Everyone turned to look and saw Jiang Tianze walking into the pavilion with a smile.

"Young Master Tianze!" Ling Wu and Xia Chan promptly bowed respectfully to him.

Jiang Shuning's eyes were hazy with drink, her tone soft and charming. "Third Brother is here? Come quickly. Your elder sister is happy today and invites you to eat roasted lamb and drink fine wine!"

Ling Wu, fearing she might speak carelessly while intoxicated, quickly said to Jiang Tianze, "Third Young Master, the Young Miss is quite drunk. This servant should first help her back to her room to rest, lest she catch a chill."

Jiang Tianze had never seen Jiang Shuning in such a drunken state before. He only felt her cheeks were flushed crimson, her expression charmingly naive, and an unusual flutter stirred in his heart.

"It's alright. With me here, I will take good care of Elder Sister."

Saying this, he stepped forward and carefully supported Jiang Shuning, helping her sit back down on the stone stool.

A faint scent of wine emanated from her, subtle yet present. Jiang Tianze felt as if he himself were about to become intoxicated.

Jiang Shuning smiled at Ling Wu. "No need to worry. It's just some fruit wine. I'll eat more roasted lamb, and this tipsiness will soon dissipate!"

Ling Wu still cautioned uneasily, "Young Miss, you must be extremely careful with your words. Those things you said earlier must never be uttered so casually again! If they reach the wrong ears, it could bring disaster!"

Jiang Shuning nodded obediently, "I understand! Come sit and eat with us!"

Jiang Tianze gazed at her intently, his gaze intense as he greedily took in her charming, tipsy appearance. Unable to suppress the stirring in his heart, he quietly leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Big Sis, what exactly has made you so happy?"

Jiang Shuning mimicked his gesture, slightly turning toward him and whispering softly into his ear, "The person I despise the most has finally left the capital today! I bet he'll never be able to return in this lifetime!"

The girl's warm breath, sweet and fragrant and carrying a faint scent of wine, gently brushed against Jiang Tianze's ear, tickling his heart like a feather and sending a thrill through him that was hard to control.

"What a coincidence—the person I loathe the most also left the capital today. However, I don't know if he'll ever return." Jiang Tianze's voice was low, tinged with a barely detectable hint of malice. "But it doesn't matter. If he does manage to survive and come back, I'll finish the job myself!"

Gu Yiting, you'd better die in Xiyu—at least that way, you'll retain some dignity and reputation.

Otherwise, what awaits you will be the new poison my mother has meticulously developed, ensuring you die without a shred of dignity!