Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 4

Freshly cooked, steaming hot sliced lamb, glistening under the lamplight with an appetizing sheen, was certainly tempting.

Although Gu Rong had plenty of experience mooching free food and drink thanks to his good looks, it was always him initiating the ploy. Being treated so generously out of the blue actually took him by surprise. He quickly said, “I haven’t done anything to earn this. How could I accept your food and drink for free? Brother, don’t be fooled by my plain vegetable noodles. Paired with this vinegar, they have a unique flavor. It’s also this shop’s specialty.”

Xi Rong replied, “It’s not free. I happen to be interested in that jar of wine. How about we trade some of your wine for my lamb?”

Gu Rong thought for a moment and then nodded readily. “Alright, then I’ll shamelessly take advantage of your offer.” With that, he opened the wine seal, called for two wine cups, and poured a cup for each of them. Although young, his manner was carefree and unrestrained. “Brother, please have some.” Gu Rong handed one of the cups to Xi Rong.

Xi Rong accepted it, glanced down at the wine, and asked, “Was this wine also a gift from a noble?”

Gu Rong coughed lightly, for once showing a bit of embarrassment. “Don’t laugh at me, brothers, but yes, it was a gift too. Only, it wasn’t from His Highness Prince of Wei. I got it when I went to submit a name card to the Eastern Palace.”

“Oh?” Xi Rong raised an eyebrow. “Most people avoid the Eastern Palace like the plague. Why did you go there to submit a name card?”

Of course, in front of strangers, Gu Rong wasn’t about to admit he’d gone just to score some free wine. So he casually lied, “I just wanted to see for myself whether the Eastern Palace is really as ruthless and tyrannical as the rumors say.”

Xi Rong gave another “Oh?” and looked at him with interest. “And did young master come to a conclusion?”

Gu Rong picked up his chopsticks, took a bite of lamb along with some noodles, and then said, “I wouldn’t say I have a conclusion, but it wasn’t what I expected. The two officials in charge at the Eastern Palace weren’t overbearing at all. They treated me with respect and courtesy, didn’t look down on me for my low status, and didn’t dismiss me for lacking in talent. Most importantly, they kept their word. After I submitted the name card, they really did give me a fine wine.”

Xi Rong sipped his wine, turned the cup in his hand for a moment, and then asked, “And what’s your opinion of the Crown Prince?”

“The Crown Prince?” Gu Rong picked up a second bite of lamb and shook his head. “I didn’t see him, so I can’t say. Besides, I’ve heard he has a temper. It wouldn’t be wise to speak carelessly.” As he spoke, his eyes shifted slightly and he glanced at Xi Rong. “Brother, don’t tell me you’re planning to join the Eastern Palace?”

Xi Rong didn’t deny it. His brown eyes stayed fixed on that exquisitely delicate face, as if carved from jade. “So it seems young master thinks His Highness Prince of Wei has the better temperament and, thus more worthy of allegiance?”

Gu Rong took another bite of noodles with the lamb and suddenly felt the air around them grow a little colder. He wondered if it was because they were sitting closer to the river.

Hearing the question, he shook his head again. “A person’s temperament doesn’t necessarily determine whether they’re worthy of allegiance. My learning is poor, I’m afraid I can’t offer you much advice. However, if you truly have the ambition to take a gamble, I would actually suggest you turn to the Eastern Palace.”

Xi Rong paused slightly, looking surprised. “Young master has such insight?”

Gu Rong leaned in a little, smiling slyly like a fox. “It’s simple logic. There are so many people throwing in their lot with His Highness Prince of Wei, so it’s surely hard to stand out. The Eastern Palace is different. They held recruitment today and barely any visitors came. Even someone like me received an elaborate reception. Brother, with your dignified air and refined appearance, if you went to submit a name card, you might be treated as an honored guest right away.”

Jiang Cheng, holding three large boxes of osmanthus cakes, had just walked in when he heard this line.

Jiang Cheng: “………”

He made it sound like the Eastern Palace accepted just any riffraff.

Jiang Cheng nervously returned to his seat, not daring to glance at His Highness’s face.

The Crown Prince himself, however, remained perfectly composed, even managing to smile. “But young master also said the Crown Prince has a bad temper. You’re suggesting I go serve the Eastern Palace, aren’t you afraid I’ll meet my end before I’ve even begun?”

Jiang Cheng: “…………”

Gu Rong gave a knowing smile. “Of course not. Although the Crown Prince may have a temper, I saw how he handled the war in the Southwest, it was masterful. After the war, he restored order and calmed the people. Everything was done smoothly and methodically. He didn’t strike me as someone cruel or unreasonable. Now that the Crown Prince is reviled throughout the land, and yet you, brother, would go to him unafraid and of your own will. If I were him, I’d only think more highly of you.

“Of course, a ruler’s temperament is important too, so brother, you do need to consider carefully. I’ve just had a bit of wine and am speaking nonsense. Brother, your future is something only you can decide.”

Jiang Cheng, already feeling his scalp go numb, had been terrified the young man would say something inappropriate to anger His Highness. But hearing this, he actually froze in surprise.

There had been all sorts of commentary about the southwestern campaign, most of it negative. Some even maliciously claimed the Crown Prince started the war to consolidate his power. It was the first time Jiang Cheng had heard someone praise both the campaign and the Crown Prince behind it.

“You don’t think the Crown Prince was too brutal, executing so many officials?” Xi Rong asked calmly.

Gu Rong raised his wine cup, the corners of his eyes lifted, took a sip, and said, “That depends on the situation. If those officials really did delay military operations as the rumors claim, then what the Crown Prince did wasn’t brutality, it was proper reward and punishment. If there were other circumstances, that would be another matter. Brother, you seem to care a great deal about the Crown Prince. If that’s so, why don’t you submit a name card to the Eastern Palace?”

Xi Rong sighed softly. “I’m afraid of being talked about behind my back.”

Jiang Cheng beside him: “……”

Poor Commander Jiang couldn’t hold back anymore. He choked on his tea and began coughing uncontrollably.

Gu Rong looked quite surprised. “Brother, why would you think that?”

Xi Rong looked down, slowly turning the wine cup in his hands. “Young master, didn’t you say it yourself? No one’s going to the Eastern Palace. If I do, how could I not be gossiped about? Besides, I’ve had a strange illness since childhood. Even if I went, I doubt I’d catch the Crown Prince’s eye.”

“A strange illness?”

“That’s right. A disease everyone avoids.”

“Is it incurable?”

“It’s incurable. It’s seeped into my bones and blood. I’ll never be rid of it for the rest of my life.”

Gu Rong hadn’t expected him to have such a bitter reason. No wonder, even as strangers, he’d shared so much of his heart and even treated him to food.

Gu Rong didn’t have much experience comforting people, so he simply said, “If people had a choice, who would want to suffer from illness? If the Crown Prince were to look down on you because of it, that would only prove he’s blind to talent, not worthy of being a good ruler.”

Although the youth clearly meant no harm, Jiang Cheng instinctively protested to protect his master, “Young master, how could you talk like that? If anyone hears this, it could be serious.”

Gu Rong’s eyes curled mischievously. “Don’t worry. In a place like this, full of common peddlers and drifters, no noblemen would come. It’s just the three of us at this table. If you don’t tell, I won’t tell, heaven and earth won’t tell, how would the Crown Prince ever know? And anyway, brother, I was just trying to comfort your friend. You should be siding with me, not scaring me.”

Jiang Cheng looked up at the sky. He thought, ‘This young man could probably spit out flowers with just a flick of his lips.’ No wonder he went around mooching people for food and drink.

Xi Rong, however, seemed much more at ease and even amused. He curved his lips and said, “Young master is right, he deserves punishment.”

While telling Jiang Cheng to punish himself with a drink, he raised his arm and filled both their wine cups from the jar. “Today, after hearing young master’s words, I feel enlightened and greatly benefited. As the saying goes, ‘A thousand cups are too few when drinking with a kindred spirit.’ Young master and I hit it off at first sight. Tonight—”

“Tonight, let’s drink to our heart’s content and not go home until we’re drunk!” Gu Rong picked up the line cheerfully. With that, he raised his cup and took a big sip. He sighed, “Good wine!”

The young man had a pair of stunning eyes and when he smiled, the corners lifted just so. It brought to mind blooming peach blossoms fluttering in the wind.

Xi Rong raised an eyebrow. “Young master, can you hold your liquor?”

“Of course!” Gu Rong’s wide sleeves fluttered as he struck a bold pose. “On such a fine night, with such a lovely scene and a dear friend from a faraway land like you to drink with, if we don’t drink heartily, wouldn’t that disappoint the heavens? I’ll toast you first, my friend. May your illness fade soon and your wishes come true!”

***

A quarter of an hour later, Jiang Cheng looked at the youth, who had drunk only half a jar and was already passed out on the table. He was speechless. “This young man really is full of nonsense, not a word of it reliable. Your—sir, what should we do now?”

“Don’t worry about me…” The youth had turned his face to rest on his arm. As if he heard the question, he waved a hand and said, “I’ll get back on my own… Brother, take care, take care. I’m afraid I can’t walk you out… You… take good care of yourself. Don’t give up on life because of your illness…”

Jiang Cheng: “……”

Most of the guests had already left. An old man came over to clear the table, saw the scene, and frowned. “Young man, why are you drunk again?”

“I’m not drunk! Grandpa, stop talking nonsense!” the youth protested fiercely.

Jiang Cheng had never seen such a drunk before and couldn’t help being amazed.

Xi Rong put down his cup and turned to the old man. “Does he often drink till he passes out?”

“Oh yes.” The old man looked helpless. “He really doesn’t have much tolerance, yet insists on drinking like a hero. But don’t worry, sir. Let him sleep for an hour or two. He’ll wake up and head home on his own.”

So, clearly, it was a habit.

Jiang Cheng turned and spoke in a low, respectful voice, “Your Highness, it’s getting late. You should return now.” The place was a mix of all sorts and they hadn’t brought any guards. Jiang Cheng couldn’t help but worry about the prince’s safety.

Xi Rong didn’t move. Instead, he asked again, “Shopkeeper, since you know him, do you know where he lives?”

The old man shook his head. “I don’t know. We’re just vendors. How could we know the details of every customer?” After clearing up, the old man bowed and went back to cook noodles.

“Go get a bowl of hangover soup,” Xi Rong instructed Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng didn’t dare question him and quickly rose to do it.

After drinking the soup, Gu Rong seemed a lot more sober. Seeing Xi Rong still sitting across from him, he smiled. “Brother, why haven’t you gone home yet?”

“It’s already late. I’ll walk you home, young master. Where do you live?” Xi Rong asked.

“Home?” Gu Rong propped his head with one arm, his long sleeves hanging over the table. He shook his head as if trying to think seriously. After a moment, he staggered to his feet and pointed toward the river behind them. “I’ll borrow a place to sleep from a friend over there for the night, I’ll go back tomorrow. No need to trouble you, brother.”

He was clearly still somewhat drunk. He clasped his hands in farewell, then turned and left ahead of them. Before leaving, he didn’t forget to take out three copper coins from his sleeve pocket and place them on the table as payment for the noodles.

Xi Rong glanced at them, then reached out and put the coins away, instead placing a small silver ingot on the table to cover both shares. He then brought Jiang Cheng along and followed after.

Gu Rong was extremely familiar with the terrain there, so much so that even slightly drunk, or with his eyes closed, he could still find his way without a hitch.

After leaving the noodle stall, he looked around briefly and then made his way with practiced ease to a cluster of old boats docked by the riverside. He chose the innermost one and bent down to slip inside.

There were already two beggars in the cabin. When they saw Gu Rong enter, their expressions instantly turned wary.

Although half-drunk, Gu Rong knew very well how territorial things were around the place. His eyes curved in a smile as he fished out the last of his copper coins and tossed them over, saying, “Let me treat you both to some wine. Lend me this spot to sleep for the night.”

The beggars’ eyes lit up. They happily picked up the coins and made room for him.

Gu Rong didn’t fuss. He sat down cross-legged, squinted his eyes, wrapped his robe around himself, leaned back comfortably against the cabin wall, and prepared to sleep.

Jiang Cheng was dumbfounded. Only then did he realize that the so-called ‘friends’ the young gentleman mentioned were in fact beggars roaming around there, and that ‘borrowing a place to stay’ meant fighting beggars for territory.

So he really was a little swindler through and through.

Inside the boat cabin, the two beggars bickered over the coins. Nearby, the young gentleman in blue robes had folded his wide sleeves and fallen into a peaceful sleep, completely unaware of everything around him. Because of the wine, his robe collar was carelessly loose, revealing a stretch of snow-white neck.

If one ignored the squalid surroundings, the boat lying quietly by the riverbank with the young man’s figure upright like a pine or plum tree, half-veiled by moonlight like silver gauze, made for a truly beautiful scene.

Xi Rong looked at the scene and frowned slightly, almost imperceptibly. The next moment, under Jiang Cheng’s startled gaze, he strode directly toward the cabin.

The two beggars had just finished dividing the coins when the light around them suddenly dimmed. They looked up to see the cabin curtain lifted, revealing a tall figure outside who blocked the moonlight and lamp glow. Their faces immediately turned wary again.

The newcomer was richly dressed, with a sword at his waist. His thin lips and sharp brows exuded a silent, intimidating pressure that made one instinctively feel threatened and afraid.

“My younger brother is being foolish. Sorry for the trouble he’s caused you both,” Xi Rong said coolly, breaking the silence. He walked over and picked up the young man who had already fallen fast asleep outside, lifting him by the back of his collar and taking him away.

The two beggars craned their necks with gossip-hungry expressions.

“That older brother looks like a tough one. The kid must be getting a beating when they get back.”

“Good thing he didn’t find out about the money.”

“Yeah, yeah, hide it quick…”

***

“Your Highness, this… are you taking him back to the residence?” Jiang Cheng followed closely behind, asking nervously.

Xi Rong still had Gu Rong in one hand. At Jiang Cheng’s words, his cold eyes showed no particular emotion. He simply said, “Find an inn. Book a room for him.”

Jiang Cheng acknowledged the order, still feeling a bit surprised in his heart. Was His Highness being a bit too indulgent toward this little swindler?

The author has something to say:

Babybaby: So many unexpected things had to happen for me to meet you all (dog head emoji).