Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 74

I would not be updating the novel here any longer. Please head to Mistmint Haven for continuous updates. See yall there~

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Today, Jiang Cheng and Song Yang had come along with Xi Rong.

In such a hall filled with nobles and powerful men, the two of them naturally maintained a posture of respectful obeisance, kneeling with heads bowed, eyes fixed on the mats beneath them. They dared not show the slightest impropriety, let alone raise their heads to glance around.

However, the moment the words ‘Songzhou’ were uttered, both of their expressions changed almost at once.

On such an occasion, Cui Daohuan would never mention Songzhou without reason. Most importantly, who exactly was the official from Songzhou that he spoke of?

Song Yang furtively lifted his eyes for a look. His Highness and the heir of Prince Xiao, seated only one place apart, wore expressions of complete composure; not the faintest ripple stirred in their faces or eyes at Cui Daohuan’s words.

For His Highness, that was only to be expected. But the heir of Prince Xiao…

Ah, back in Songzhou, the same heir had disguised himself as some country youth and deceived others with effortless ease. Even His Highness had been fooled, so really, there was nothing surprising in his calm now.

Song Yang quickly lowered his head again.

On the imperial throne, the Emperor spoke with some surprise, “Songzhou is famed for its fat and delicious fish. Yet, bringing such fish all the way to the capital cannot be easy.”

“Indeed, it is not. But this official endured many difficulties and, at last, succeeded in transporting ten Songzhou sea bass here to the capital, all so that Your Majesty might taste a single bowl of fresh bass soup,” Cui Daohuan stroked his beard and spoke with satisfaction.

The Emperor nodded. “It seems today, We, together with all Our loyal ministers, are truly fortunate. Summon him in.”

Zhang Fu acknowledged the command, swept his horsetail whisk, and left the hall. Shortly, he led an official inside.

The man wore a crimson court robe. He was in his forties, lean and upright, carrying a tray in both hands. Upon it rested a porcelain bowl as fine as snow, the broth within shimmering clear and bright. Entering with head lowered, he knelt upon both knees, raising the tray high above his head. In a loud voice, he declared, “Your servant, Yan Hemei, Assistant Prefect of Songzhou, offers a bowl of bass soup and humbly greets His Majesty, long life to the Emperor.”

Many present cast curious glances toward the bowl of fish soup.

Zhang Fu received the tray and presented it upon the imperial desk.

Yan Hemei did not move, remaining kneeling with bowed head in reverent silence. For with his rank, by rights, he ought never to have had an audience with the Emperor at all.

The hall grew very still.

The Emperor glanced at the soup, but did not taste it at once. Instead, he instructed Zhang Fu,
“Ladle a portion into a smaller bowl and present it to the heir of Prince Xiao.”

At once, the court filled with expressions of envy and disbelief.

For such a bowl of soup was exceedingly precious. The hall was full of important ministers, and the Crown Prince, the Prince of Jin, and the Prince of Wei, all three imperial sons, were present. Yet the Emperor had singled out only the heir of Prince Xiao to share it with him. Such favor and distinction were rare indeed.

Zhang Fu obeyed.

A eunuch quickly brought a white jade bowl and a spoon. With the utmost care, Zhang Fu ladled half the soup into it and set it before Xiao Rong’s desk.

Xiao Rong rose to his feet and offered thanks.

The Emperor smiled. “Rongrong, taste it first on Our behalf. Tell Us whether this bass soup surpasses Jiang Taigong’s Fish-and-Celery just now. And no flattering Us with lies.”

Xiao Rong assented, swept his sleeve, and sat once more. He lifted the spoon and, under the gaze of the court, took a small sip. Setting the spoon down, he lifted his head and smiled lightly. “Your Majesty, the Songzhou bass is worthy of its renown. I daresay even Jiang Taigong himself would yield before it.”

His words brought laughter from the Emperor and several ministers alike.

One minister said, “Since the young lord speaks so, this soup must indeed be exquisite.”

The Emperor then took up the silver spoon Zhang Fu handed him, tasted a mouthful, and indeed showed a pleased expression. Raising his eyes, he looked upon Yan Hemei, still kneeling in humility before the throne.

“You are thoughtful. Tell Us, can you ride and shoot?”

“Your Majesty,” another voice answered, “Yan Hemei not only rides and shoots well, but his martial skill on horseback is considerable. In Songzhou, it was he who personally led the troops in repeated campaigns of suppressing the bandits.”

The Emperor nodded. “In that case, remain here. Tomorrow, you shall accompany Us on the hunt.”

Yan Hemei bowed low and accepted the command, then rose and withdrew.

The Emperor further ordered, “Inform the imperial kitchens that the rest of the bass is to be made into soup. Tomorrow, it shall be a reward for the warriors who excel at the hunt.”

Zhang Fu accepted the decree with a smile.

The hall at once brimmed with delight.

After the meal, the Emperor withdrew to the inner hall to rest and the gathered courtiers rose to take their leave.

Once he stepped out of the Sweet Spring Hall, Xiao Rong’s expression darkened.

He had deliberately lingered behind the others, his mind preoccupied. Descending the long flight of steps outside the hall, he was caught unawares and collided headlong with someone’s back.

The back was firm and unyielding. Xiao Rong, lost in thought, struck against it with enough force that pain shot through him. As he raised his hand to rub his brow, the man before him turned around.

Xiao Rong’s movements halted. He froze in recognition of the other.

It was Xi Rong.

No wonder, at the instant of impact, a familiar scent had reached his nose.

The encounter had happened too suddenly. Xiao Rong looked up, dazed, staring fixedly at that face.

Xi Rong’s eyes were as they had been within the hall: deep and wintry, dark as a frozen pool, devoid of the slightest ripple of emotion, bereft even of the most negligible trace of joy, anger, grief, or delight.

It was the perfect embodiment of his cold and aloof princely image.

“Be careful, Young Prince,” Xi Rong spoke with a voice faint and even.

To Xiao Rong’s ears, there seemed to be a thread of disapproval hidden within.

The chill of that detached tone quickly jolted him back to himself. He stepped back, offered a slight bow of apology, and replied in an equally steady voice, “I was careless for a moment and collided with Your Highness. Please forgive the offense.”

“It is of no matter. Only, when there are many people about, the Young Prince would do well to watch his steps. Otherwise, should you collide with a stone next time, I fear the consequence would be far more grave.”

With no change of expression, Xi Rong spoke those few words, then turned and strode away.

“…”

Xiao Rong pressed his lips together as he stared after that unfeeling back, then turned and departed in the opposite direction.

***

Xiao Rong’s lodgings had been arranged within the Sweet Spring Hall itself.

Only the Emperor, Prince Xiao, Cui Daohuan, Xi Rong, the Prince of Jin, the Prince of Wei, the Crown Prince, and the second prince had the privilege of residing here. All other accompanying officials were housed at the Cool Breeze Terrace behind the Sweet Spring Hall. |19|

Xiao Rong’s quarters were called the Clear Stream Hall, with a lotus pond just outside. The surroundings were refreshing and tranquil, suited both for viewing and respite, far more comfortable than sleeping in a soldier’s tent at the barracks.

However, he returned to the hall with a chest full of suppressed anger.

After drinking a bowl of sobering broth, his mind cleared considerably. Then, he could not help but laugh at the childishness of his own conduct.

Why should he be angry?

They had already parted ways, cleanly and decisively. Indeed, it had been at his own behest.

There was nothing amiss in Xi Rong’s bearing.

The fault lay in himself.

That he should feel ill at ease, resentful, even… aggrieved, merely because of another man’s proper and rightful demeanor.

Xiao Rong, how lacking in composure you are, how unreasonable and domineering.

After admonishing himself, his mood eased. Soon, however, his thoughts turned to Yan Hemei’s sudden appearance in the capital.

To call it ‘sudden’ was clearly inaccurate. He was perfectly clear of the reason Yan Hemei had appeared at such a juncture and the purpose the Cui clan harbored.

Xiao Rong lowered his gaze and a cold smile curled across his lips.

***

“Who would have thought that Xiao Rong, arrogant, overbearing, and hateful to the extreme, could possess such a countenance? Had I known that day at the Apricot Blossom Pavilion, I would have restrained myself and chosen another method altogether…”

Leaving the Sweet Spring Hall, Cui Cheng stroked his chin, a glint of obscure malice flickering in his eyes.

Walking beside him, Cui Xie frowned at his words. “What schemes are you hatching again? Father ordered you to keep yourself in check these days and stir up no further trouble. Should you dare bring disaster upon us again, even Father may not be able to protect you,” Cui Xie warned sternly.

Cui Cheng’s gaze was still somewhat dazed. “Do not worry. I know. I was merely astonished. Until now, I had always thought you, Cousin, to be the most outstanding and charming gentleman of the capital. But now I see that beyond the heavens, there are greater heavens; beyond men, greater men.”

At that, Cui Xie’s expression finally showed some displeasure. “I warn you that Xiao Rong is no ordinary man. If you dare provoke him, you may not even know how you meet your death.”

At last, Cui Cheng seemed to return to his senses. With a thoughtful smile, he said, “Cousin, it seems you despise that Xiao Rong even more than I do.

“And rightly so. Before his arrival, honors such as His Majesty’s favor at the imperial banquet should have fallen to you. The residence within the Sweet Spring Hall ought likewise to have been yours. But ever since Xiao Rong appeared, he has stolen all your luster. Who now remembers that the title of ‘First Gentleman of the Capital’ belonged to you? Were I in your place, I too would find it hard to swallow. Not to mention that matter of apprenticeship in years past, it caused Cousin no small loss of face indeed.”

“Enough. What’s the point of dragging up these old matters?” Cui Xie’s face darkened, his eyes brimming with loathing. “Do you think I care about such petty details? Don’t forget your main task in this summer hunt!”

Cui Cheng narrowed his eyes with a feral glint, like a wolf catching the scent of blood. “Rest assured. This time, I’ll make sure to crush the Eastern Palace’s prestige. But, why did Uncle have to bring that Yan Hemei from Songzhou? What exactly does he intend to do?”

Cui Xie’s loathing lingered between his brows as he replied, “He naturally has his uses. You need only do what you must. As for questions you shouldn’t ask, don’t.”

Everyone was eager and readying themselves for the hunt tomorrow. The Emperor had promised rich rewards. For the generals, the top hunter would be granted an imperial robe patterned with the python motif. For the princes, the victor would receive a dragon-engraved thumb ring bestowed by the Emperor himself. Both were peerless honors.

Especially now, with the Emperor having recently survived an assassination attempt, the struggle for the throne was poised to ignite at the slightest spark.

That dragon-carved ring, emblem of imperial authority, inevitably stirred speculation about what deeper meaning might lie behind the Emperor’s decree.

Everyone was preparing in earnest, forming teams, readying weapons, and securing their plans. All, that is, except Xiao Rong.

He simply had no interest in such contests of victory. Whoever wished to fight over it, let them.

The Emperor had sent Zhang Fu to deliver a rare treat for the season, chilled lychee wine. Xiao Rong sampled it and found it pleasant enough.

He was drinking leisurely when Mo Dong announced, “Young Prince, the Prince of Jin has come.”

“I fear I may have disturbed your rest, Young Prince.” The Prince of Jin entered with a courteous bow and apology.

Xiao Rong invited him to sit by the southern window and replied politely, “Your Highness is too kind. I was only stealing a moment of leisure. But surely Your Highness should be preparing for tomorrow’s hunt?”

The Prince of Jin smiled and shook his head. “The Crown Prince excels in martial skill, valiant and unmatched. In all previous hunts, the first honor has always gone to the Eastern Palace. This year will likely be no different. Whether I prepare or not makes little difference; it’s the same result. So I might as well follow your example and steal a little rest. And besides, my brother, the Prince of Wei, is also fully prepared this year. I stand even less chance of winning.”

“Indeed,” one of the Prince of Jin’s attendants interjected from behind. “Not only has the Prince of Wei recruited a cadre of elite Imperial Guards to escort him, that Cui Cheng has somehow procured a number of fine hunting hounds, nearly one for every guard in the Prince of Wei’s retinue.”

The attendant added worriedly, “Even if Your Highness has no wish to vie for first place, if both the Crown Prince and the Prince of Wei perform brilliantly while you alone fare poorly, will His Majesty not blame Your Highness?”

The Prince of Jin replied, “But I cannot damage brotherly bonds simply for a moment’s triumph.”

“Your Highness may honor brotherhood, but others surely won’t,” the attendant muttered in frustration. “The Prince of Wei just now was already making veiled slights at Your Highness. Ever since Your Highness entered the Silver Dragon Cavalry for training, he’s been nothing but snide each time he sees Your Highness.”

“Enough, you chatter too much. I am the younger one. By right, I should not be contending with my Imperial Elder Brother for everything. Still, in many matters, I have little choice.” He turned to Xiao Rong. “I’ve made you laugh, Young Prince.”

Xiao Rong smiled. “Your Highness is too serious.”

At that moment, a guard from the Jin Royal Residence entered, face troubled. He bowed and said, “Your Highness…”

“Out with it. No stammering.”

The guard said, “Your Highness’s steed, Wudou, suddenly collapsed, foaming at the mouth and will not rise.”

The Prince of Jin’s expression darkened at once. “What happened?”

“We summoned the imperial physician. He said Wudou likely ingested something harmful.”

The attendant exclaimed, “What are we to do? Without Wudou, how will Your Highness compete tomorrow? This must be the Prince of Wei’s doing!”

The Prince of Jin scolded with a frown, “Baseless accusations! Mind your tongue!”

Suddenly, the attendant turned toward Xiao Rong, who sat serenely across the long table. He stepped forward, dropped to his knees on the open floor, and pleaded, “Young Prince, I beg you, please help His Highness!”

Standing behind his master, Mo Dong said, “But our Young Prince knows nothing of veterinary medicine. He cannot treat a horse.”

The attendant said, “It’s true that the Young Prince cannot heal the steed, but if he joins His Highness’s team, even without Wudou, His Highness would have nothing to fear from the Prince of Wei.”

“You speak nonsense!” The Prince of Jin barked at him. “Young Prince has his own retinue. How could he possibly join mine?”

Xiao Rong, who had been listening silently all this while, now set down his teacup with unhurried grace. “It doesn’t matter. I was only going to play at it anyway. If Your Highness doesn’t mind my poor riding, I shall accompany Your Highness tomorrow.”

The Prince of Jin’s face lit up with delight. “Naturally, I would be most willing to accompany the Young Prince. Rest assured, tomorrow, I shall have the prey tallied separately. I will never take advantage of you.”

Xiao Rong smiled. “These are but trifles. Your Highness need not trouble yourself over them.”

The Prince of Jin lingered to chat with Xiao Rong about the scenery and game of the hunting grounds before finally rising to take his leave.

Once outside the Clear Stream Hall, the Prince of Jin turned to scold his attendant. “How could you have suggested such a thing just now? Luckily, the Young Prince is magnanimous and took no offense. Otherwise, you would have placed this prince in an impossible position.”

The attendant muttered softly, “This servant only thought of Your Highness’s best interests. The heir of Prince Xiao surely has the Silver Dragon Cavalry generals riding with him and his own guards are of extraordinary skill. So long as he is willing to lend Your Highness his strength, what cause have you to fear the Prince of Wei? The Matriarch sent this servant to Your Highness precisely to aid you in critical moments. Matters like this are naturally difficult for Your Highness to broach yourself, but how could I stand idly by? It was only because I did not wish to see Your Highness troubled that I dared to speak privately to the Young Prince.”

He added, “Besides, Your Highness is the prince personally chosen by Prince Xiao. It is the Young Prince’s duty to assist you… By rights, even without Your Highness asking, he should have offered his help of his own accord…”

“That is enough,” the Prince of Jin cut him off. “Do not let there be a next time.”

The attendant assented.

***

“Your Highness, Chi Nu has been brought.”

Within the Bright Moon Hall, where Xi Rong resided, Jiang Cheng entered carrying a lynx the color of living flame.

Lynxes were often used by the aristocracy of Da’an in their hunts. Although smaller than hounds, they were quick as lightning and ferocious in the kill.

The Eastern Palace kept many lynxes and among them, Chi Nu was the finest; small-bodied yet capable, a perfect hunting companion.

Yet Jiang Cheng found it strange. When His Highness hunted, he typically brought only fierce beasts like hounds, leopards, or the mighty gyrfalcon. He had scarcely ever used a lynx. |20|

Thus, the lynxes served little more than an ornamental purpose.

Even the keepers of the menagerie often sighed that Chi Nu’s talent went to waste, with no chance to prove itself. And yet, today, His Highness had uncharacteristically commanded that it be brought forth.

In truth, Chi Nu was the offspring of another lynx once deeply favored by His Highness. But that lynx had stirred unpleasant memories for him and upon Chi Nu’s birth, it had been cast into neglect.

For that very reason, Jiang Cheng was all the more astonished that His Highness now intended to use Chi Nu.

“Has it been fed?” Xi Rong asked lightly.

Jiang Cheng nodded. “The menagerie even assigned a dedicated attendant to care for Chi Nu’s meals.”

Xi Rong nodded, giving a soft “Mm.”

Jiang Cheng grew all the more puzzled. Could it be His Highness had ordered Chi Nu brought there merely to see whether it had eaten?

Just then, Song Yang and Zhou Wenhe came in.

Zhou Wenhe reported that the Prince of Jin’s mount had been drugged.

Jiang Cheng asked, “In that case, can the Prince of Jin still compete tomorrow?”

“He can still ride, but without his trusted steed, he will certainly be at a disadvantage. However, I hear that the heir of Prince Xiao will hunt alongside him tomorrow. With such powerful aid, the Prince of Jin may yet turn misfortune into fortune.”

As soon as Zhou Wenhe finished speaking, there was a sharp crack. They looked over and realized that His Highness’s brush had snapped clean in two.

E/N: It seems the Prince of Jin can’t manage the people from the Wang clan. Perfect candidate for puppet emperor.

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I would not be updating the novel here any longer. Please head to Mistmint Haven for continuous updates. See yall there~