Chapter 14 (Part 1/2)
Physician Lin still remembered how Prince Zhao had previously been injured and specifically requested the Princess Consort come to bandage and apply medicine. Logically speaking, he shouldn't detest the Princess Consort.
Moreover, for someone like him who appeared gentle and warm but was actually cold-natured, not being repulsed was already rare.
Aunt Fangchun managed a smile. "His Highness has always relied heavily on you. Your words carry more weight than ours. Could you persuade His Highness?"
Physician Lin sighed helplessly. "When have I not tried to persuade him? This matter also requires His Highness's willingness."
He truly couldn't understand, since His Highness had already married and was willing to be close to the Princess Consort, why wouldn't he consummate the marriage?
---
Yangui Tower
Yuán Dé brought up the poison-tested pastries and gently set them on the table.
He knew his master was investigating the Princess Consort's background. Though the Princess Consort wouldn't be so brazen as to poison pastries, it was always better to be cautious.
Yan Xuecui caught the delicate, sweet tea fragrance and his brow moved slightly. "What is it?"
Yuán Dé bowed. "These are Longjing tea crisps and peach blossom crisps that the Princess Consort made with her own hands. Would you like to try them?"
Yan Xuecui seemed somewhat surprised. "She still has the mind to make these?"
Yuán Dé considered it carefully. "Perhaps the Princess Consort wishes to improve relations with Your Highness?"
Just then, a shadow guard who had been sent out came to report.
Yan Xuecui didn't look up. When he heard the person approach, he casually said, "What did you find?"
The shadow guard cupped his hands. "The Princess Consort had no unusual movements today. However, that dowry maid called Xiangqin returned to the Chi manor—not to see her mother, Mama Zheng, but to see Countess Yin. Their conversation was secretive. Countess Yin even dismissed all the maids from the room. This subordinate only vaguely heard that Countess Yin seemed very dissatisfied with the Princess Consort, afraid the Princess Consort would anger Your Highness and implicate the entire Earl's manor. She also told the Princess Consort not to approach Your Highness, lest she lose her life..."
Yan Xuecui's brow arched, this was somewhat unexpected.
The shadow guard paused slightly. "There was one more thing this subordinate heard clearly—Countess Yin admonished Xiangqin, saying 'Don't forget who your master is.' As for the rest, this subordinate didn't hear clearly."
Yuán Dé stroked the whisk on his arm and weighed the matter. "This Xiangqin seems more like Countess Yin's trusted maid, while the Princess Consort seems like an outsider instead."
Yan Xuecui: "Is that so? I heard the Princess Consort was doted upon at home, given whatever she wanted, wind or rain?"
The smile at his lips faded slightly as he instructed the shadow guard, "Continue watching Countess Yin."
The shadow guard immediately acknowledged the order and withdrew.
By the table, a corner of the support window was propped open. Cool breeze carrying the scent of spring plants and trees blew in, brushing past the snow-white gauze covering Yan Xuecui's eyes, gently lifting the ribbon tied behind his hair. The fragrance of Longjing tea and peach blossoms swirled faintly at his nose.
His fingers holding the bamboo scroll moved almost imperceptibly, but from beginning to end he didn't touch those pastries.
Yuán Dé watched as the pastries slowly cooled. By the time the golden crow set in the west, even the crispy top layer had gone soft and collapsed. He was certain his master wouldn't eat them and was about to take them away when Yan Xuecui reached out at that moment, picked up a piece of Longjing crisp, and slowly placed it in his mouth.
The Longjing tea fragrance instantly filled his mouth. The pastry was sweet but not cloying, the filling delicate and soft in texture, the tea aroma mellow and warm, the aftertaste lingering long.
A smile played at Yan Xuecui's lips. "The Princess Consort's skills are quite good."
Yuán Dé also smiled in agreement. "The Princess Consort put her heart into it. This Longjing tea crisp uses the earliest pre-Qingming Longjing from this spring. The peach blossom crisps also use fresh peach blossoms picked from the garden today. I heard she also sent a portion to Shouchun Hall."
"She did put her heart into it, but..." Yan Xuecui took a handkerchief and methodically wiped his fingers. "Would a noble lady whose ten fingers never touch spring water have such culinary skills?"
Yuán Dé froze, then pondered. "The shadow guards only mentioned before that the Princess Consort was somewhat versed in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, they never mentioned culinary skills. However, though cooking isn't as refined as calligraphy and painting, there are indeed young ladies from great families who enjoy cooking themselves. Having a few signature pastries could be considered adding flowers to brocade."
Yan Xuecui's tone was flat. "Mm, what you say is correct."
Yuán Dé suddenly felt a chill down his spine. After much deliberation, he finally gathered courage to ask, "Does Your Highness suspect there's a problem with the Princess Consort?"
Yan Xuecui's fingertips lightly touched the table surface, tapping intermittently. He didn't answer directly but instead asked, "She's been in the manor nearly a month now. Tell me, what kind of woman is she?"
Yuán Dé remembered his earlier lesson and didn't dare comment on the Princess Consort's appearance or inject any personal bias. He only said what his eyes had seen: "The Princess Consort is proper and serene, gentle and virtuous. She's completely changed from her former willfulness, her conduct is compliant and makes people feel like they're bathed in spring breeze."
Yet Yan Xuecui said, "That's not right."
Yuán Dé's smile froze at the corners of his mouth.
Not right, what wasn't right?
Had something happened last night? Did the Princess Consort show one face in public and another in private, exposing her true nature in the bedchamber and harboring intentions to harm His Highness?
Yet His Highness only said half his words, leaving people scratching their heads in frustration.
He prided himself on some ability to read people's expressions, yet he couldn't see through the Princess Consort's character, much less guess His Highness's attitude toward the Princess Consort.
Last night, seeing His Highness bathe and rest at Shuyu Pavilion, he'd almost thought His Highness wouldn't return to Yangui Tower to live. Who knew His Highness would return in the middle of the night, his face full of gloomy energy, and even go to the dungeon to severely torture two assassins? That blood-soaked appearance still made Yuán Dé shudder.
But if the Princess Consort truly had a problem, those tortured last night shouldn't have been those two assassins. According to His Highness's way of doing things, whether or not she harbored evil intentions, after rounds of cruel torture, even the hardest mouth could be pried open.
Yet now he was calmly eating the pastries she'd sent...
Speaking of which, a servant watching Shuyu Pavilion came to report that the
Princess Consort was having dinner when someone from Shouchun Hall came to summon her.
Chapter 14 (Part 2/2)
"It was Shuangxi from Shouchun Hall. She said Consort Zhuang woke up, saw the pastries the Princess Consort had sent, and became somewhat confused again, forgetting that you married last month. She was quite excited to see the Princess Consort. Aunt Qionglin had no choice but to have the Princess Consort come coax her and chat with Consort Zhuang."
Yan Xuecui withdrew the smile from his lips and imperceptibly tightened his palm.
Yuán Dé looked over with concern. "Last time Her Ladyship had an episode, she'd originally only called a nearby maid by the wrong name. But when you went to visit, she mistook you for Prince Rong and raised a candlestick to injure you..."
Yan Xuecui was silent for a moment, then rose and removed the snow-white gauze from his eyes, taking up his bamboo cane. "Let's go see Mother Consort."
---
When Chi Ying sent pastries to Shouchun Hall, it actually carried some intention to curry favor, so Prince Zhao would hear that she was thinking of her mother-in-law.
She just hadn't expected to encounter one of Consort Zhuang's episodes.
When Consort Zhuang wanted to see her, Chi Ying naturally wouldn't refuse. Instead, Aunt Fangchun was more anxious than her, cautioning her about many things along the wa, nothing more than that during episodes, moods were unpredictable, she might say nonsense, telling her to pay attention to Consort Zhuang's emotions. She also said there were many maids and martial maids in the room, so she needn't worry.
Chi Ying actually wasn't too worried. Compared to those with vicious hearts, confused but kind-hearted people really weren't anything.
Moreover, this was an opportunity for her. Soothing Consort Zhuang's emotions would also leave a good impression throughout the manor.
The corridor was brightly lit. Chi Ying followed Shuangxi through the door. She hadn't expected that upon seeing her, Consort Zhuang, who'd been sitting on the couch, would suddenly stand up. Her pale, calm face twisted slightly as she pointed at her with fury and gnashing teeth: "It's you... you still dare come?"
Despite being mentally prepared, Chi Ying couldn't help but feel her heart tighten, staring at this scene in shock.
Seeing this, Aunt Qionglin immediately stepped forward to soothe her with kind words. "Your Ladyship, this is the Princess Consort! Didn't you just say you wanted to see the Princess Consort?"
Consort Zhuang's expression was terrified, her whole body shaking like chaff. How could she listen at this moment? "What Princess Consort? She's clearly Noble Consort Ning! Her son killed my Xueji! Now she wants to poison me too!"
Chi Ying then realized Consort Zhuang had mistaken her for Prince Rong's mother, Noble Consort Ning.
Qionglin cast an apologetic glance at Chi Ying, her eyes signaling Fangchun to escort the Princess Consort out first, lest Her Ladyship accidentally injure someone.
But Chi Ying didn't leave immediately. She calmed her emotions slightly, walked closer to Consort Zhuang, and said gently, "Mother Consort, it's me, Yingyue. Have you forgotten I married in just last month? Yesterday His Highness and I came to pay respects to you together."
In Consort Zhuang's crimson eyes, hatred roiled. A hoarse, desperate roar emerged from her throat: "Nonsense! You're that poisonous woman Ning Qinghe! My son defended the borders and protected the people, covered in blood and sweat, sacrificing his life! You sat comfortably in the capital enjoying peace, yet for your own selfish gain, you condemned your own flesh and blood brother to death! You slaughtered meritorious officials and harmed soldiers, you're simply wolves and thieves! Treacherous villains! You're worse than pigs and dogs!"
Chi Ying knew she suffered deeply from the pain of losing her son and could only let her vent the bitterness in her heart.
Speaking of her pain, Consort Zhuang lunged forward to attack her. Naturally, she was blocked by Qionglin and two tall, capable martial maids. But Consort Zhuang was, after all, of noble status and frail with illness, the martial maids didn't dare restrain her forcefully, lest they injure her.
Consort Zhuang was completely consumed by hatred, utterly losing her reason. In her struggling, she knocked over a nearby flower stand and lamp stand. Vases, porcelain, and glass lamps instantly shattered across the floor with a crash. She then threw everything from the vanity table and other tables toward Chi Ying.
Chi Ying was supported by Aunt Fangchun and had no choice but to retreat a few steps.
Qionglin anxiously looked at her and asked, "Is the Princess Consort injured?"
Chi Ying shook her head. With martial maids protecting her and Consort Zhuang in her confused state mostly throwing things randomly, jewelry, teacups, go stones scattered across the floor, she wasn't really hurt. Only her ankle was struck by a tea lid, aching faintly.
She'd wanted to have Qionglin help Consort Zhuang move farther away, lest she accidentally step on broken porcelain on the ground. But at that moment, Consort Zhuang threw a rather valuable gold-painted sandalwood inlaid treasure box. With a "clatter," the box body cracked and fell right at her feet. A string of prayer beads that Consort Zhuang often kept close spilled out. Chi Ying had seen them before and had some impression. She was about to bend down to pick them up when her wrist suddenly felt a weight.
Looking up, Prince Zhao's refined and handsome face came into view. Chi Ying's heart jumped slightly. Thinking of last night, she felt an indescribable heavy bitterness in her heart.
Yan Xuecui lowered his gaze to "look" at her. "Are you alright?"
Chi Ying pressed her lips together and said softly, "I'm fine."
Yan Xuecui nodded lightly. Hearing Consort Zhuang's voice weaken and the crashing sounds in the room cease, he instructed Qionglin, "Help Mother Consort back to bed to rest. Physician Lin is already on his way."
Qionglin quickly agreed.
Veins bulged on Consort Zhuang's forehead, her face showing an abnormal flush. At this moment, she had exhausted herself completely and fainted.
After Qionglin wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, the two martial maids helped her back to the bed.
The maids hurried to clean up the mess in the room. Only then did Chi Ying bend down to pick up the prayer beads from the floor to keep them from getting soiled. But she inadvertently saw that where the box had cracked at the mortise and tenon joint, several black pill medicines the size of mung beans had rolled out.
Chi Ying was curious. She casually picked up two pills and brought them to her nose to smell. But perhaps due to age, they'd already absorbed the fragrance of red sandalwood and had no particular scent.
Yan Xuecui heard her nose moving as if smelling something and asked, "What's wrong?"
Chi Ying handed him the pills in her hand.
The young woman's soft fingertips inadvertently touched his palm. It was as if an electric current traced finely across that spot. A vein jumped on the back of Yan Xue
cui's hand as scorching memories from the dark night surged into his mind.
TRANSLATOR: Guys, i just realized this book is rated 18, and i cannot continue posting it on my website. i am still trying to figure out what to do when we get to those chapters.
Read only on https://royaltywrites.com.ng/
GLOSSARY
Characters
Chi Ying (池萤) - Female protagonist; concubine-born third daughter who substitutes for her legitimate elder sister in marriage to the Prince of Zhao
Yan Xuecui / Prince of Zhao (晏雪摧 / 昭王) - Male protagonist; blind prince with a dark reputation, suffers from touch-starvation condition
Chi Yingyue (池颖月) - Chi Ying's legitimate elder sister who was originally supposed to marry the Prince of Zhao
Countess Yin / Yin-shi (殷氏)- Chi Yingyue's mother; the legitimate wife who arranged the substitute marriage
Aunt Xue / Xue Yiniang (薛姨娘) - Chi Ying's mother; a concubine in poor health
Consort Zhuang (庄妃) - The Prince of Zhao's mother
Prince Ding (定王) - The deceased elder brother of Prince of Zhao
Emperor Yongcheng (永成帝) - The current emperor
Servants & Attendants
Xiangqin (香琴) - Chi Ying's maid, originally serving Lady Yin's interests
Baoshan (宝扇) - Chi Ying's maid
Aunt Fangchun (芳春姑姑) - Senior servant managing household affairs
Steward Yuan / Yuan-de (元德) - The Prince of Zhao's chief steward
Qingzhi (青芝) & Yintiao (银翘) - Maids at the manor
Qingze (青泽) - The Prince of Zhao's attendant
Physician Lin (林院判) - The physician treating the Prince of Zhao
Locations
Prince of Zhao's Manor (昭王府) - The prince's residence
Shuyu Pavilion (漱玉斋) - Chi Ying's residence, formerly the Prince of Zhao's chamber
Yangui Tower (雁归楼)- The Prince of Zhao's current residence with a dungeon beneath
Shouchun Hall (寿春堂)- Consort Zhuang's residence
Changyuan Earl Manor (昌远伯府)- Chi family's declining noble household
Titles & Terms
Wang/Prince (王)- Imperial prince title
Wangfei/Princess Consort (王妃) - Wife of a prince
Dianxia/Your Highness (殿下) - Formal address for a prince
Niangniang/Your Ladyship (娘娘) - Formal address for an imperial consort
Di (嫡) - Legitimate-born (from legal wife)
Shu (庶) - Concubine-born
Substitute marriage (替嫁)- Marrying in place of another
Consummation/Yuan fang (圆房) - Completing the marriage ceremony through intercourse
Returning home visit/Hui men (回门) - Traditional bride's first visit to natal home after marriage
Cultural Items
Bamboo cane/scrolls (竹杖/竹简) - The prince uses these for mobility and reading
Incense (熏香) - Various types used for ambiance
Dragon and phoenix candles (龙凤喜烛) - Wedding candles
Phoenix seal (鳳印)- Symbol of empress status
Hundred Sons and Thousand Grandsons pattern (百子千孙图) - Auspicious bedding embroidery symbolizing fertility
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