“This Subject Says His Highness Is Not Frightening.”
As the Empress’s maternal clan, the Liu family held an eminent position. Her father bore the title of Duke. Across the entirety of Ye Jing, aside from the princesses, none could be found whose status surpassed hers.
Liu Jinglan had, from childhood, been strictly raised according to the standards of an Empress. In every regard she excelled. Only in one matter was she deeply dissatisfied.
Her appearance was exactly like that of the Liu family, which was utterly ordinary.
Thus, although the Crown Prince respected and cared for her, he did not favor spending nights in her chambers. Among the secondary consorts and attendants, several were more beautiful than she, and they won more of the Crown Prince’s affection.
Someone beside her exclaimed in admiration, “Prince Li’s Consort’s face is exquisitely radiant and beyond the mundane. Truly rare in this world.”
“Indeed. Young Lord Ning is refined in features and known as the foremost talent of his generation, yet even he cannot compare with this person’s appearance and bearing.”
The woman who had earlier mocked Chu Yuan’s looks felt as though she had been struck across the face. Heat burned fiercely along her cheeks.
She said angrily, “So what if he is good-looking? He is merely a man. He cannot bear children. Prince Li will tire of him sooner or later.”
“Enough. Cease your quarrelling,” Liu Jinglan spoke. She cast a cold glance over them and held herself with lofty composure. “Do not wag your tongues behind others’ backs and lose your own standing.”
Though resentment stirred within them, outwardly they still responded submissively.
Elsewhere, Lu Ronghuai brought Chu Yuan to the banquet hall. The Marquis of Xuanning broke into a broad smile at the sight of Lu Ronghuai and hurried forward. “I was just about to send someone to invite Your Highness. The capping ceremony will soon begin. Pray take the seat of honor.”
Lu Ronghuai inclined his head. “Uncle, please attend to your duties. There is no need to receive us personally.”
“Very well, very well. Uncle shall greet the guests outside first. You and Prince Li’s Consort make yourselves at ease. Treat this as your own home.” The Marquis of Xuanning smiled until lines gathered at his eyes. After instructing the servants to attend carefully, he finally departed.
“Third Sister-in-law!” A loud voice sounded from behind.
Chu Yuan paused and turned.
Lu Rongshen beamed at him. “My name is Lu Rongshen. I rank eighth in birth order. Third Sister-in-law may call me Eighth Brother.”
The three took their seats. Lu Rongshen leaned close to Chu Yuan and studied his face for a long while, undisguised astonishment in his eyes.
“Third Sister-in-law, we are both men. Why is it that you are so good-looking?”
Chu Yuan glanced at Lu Ronghuai, who was drinking on his own. He turned slightly and spoke in a lowered voice. “Eighth Prince is likewise endowed with grace and talent, inheriting Consort Ye’s fine features.”
Lu Rongshen’s eyes widened in surprise. He leaned closer still. “Third Sister-in-law could tell at a glance that Consort Ye is my birth mother. Truly has discerning eyes.”
Chu Yuan smiled faintly, a light curve forming at his lips. “Eighth Prince resembles Consort Ye by seven parts of ten. Few would mistake it.”
Lu Rongshen laughed merrily, then grew dissatisfied and protested, “Why do you address me so formally? Do you not like me?”
As he spoke, his expression instantly transformed into one of exaggerated sorrow. The speed of the change left Chu Yuan momentarily stunned.
“Continue this and you may go outside,” Lu Ronghuai said, setting down his wine cup and turning his head.
The two who had been whispering immediately separated and sat upright.
Lu Ronghuai gave a soft snort. His gaze fell upon Chu Yuan’s fair face, and he let out a faint laugh. “You seem able to converse quite well with him.”
His voice was deep and resonant, steady with the composure of one long accustomed to power. If one ignored the faint mockery within, it would have been most pleasing to hear.
Chu Yuan pressed his lips together and lowered his head in silence.
The hall was warm. When Chu Yuan had entered earlier, he had removed his fox-fur cloak. Now as he lowered his head, a length of snow-white slender neck was revealed.
Lu Ronghuai’s gaze settled upon that delicate pale neck. He paused briefly, then moved his eyes to Lu Rongshen, who was shrinking in on himself.
“The two of you fear this prince so greatly. Will this Prince devour you?”
Lu Rongshen tucked in his head and retorted softly, “Third Brother does not eat people, but you are frightening. Third Sister-in-law, is that not so?”
Lu Ronghuai looked to Chu Yuan again.
His gaze seemed almost tangible. Chu Yuan felt his scalp prickle beneath it. He had no choice but to speak. “His Highness is not frightening.”
Lu Rongshen immediately wailed, “Third Sister-in-law, you are lying! You do not even dare look at Third Brother while saying it.”
Lu Ronghuai propped his chin upon his hand and nodded at leisure. “He speaks correctly. Look at this Prince and repeat it.”
Chu Yuan lifted his head and met Lu Ronghuai’s eyes.
Those eyes were deep as ink, holding the perilous allure of night, yet capable of drawing one into ruin.
“This subject says His Highness is not frightening.” His voice was light and unhurried, like a jade flute sounding through a spring night, a feather brushing softly against the heart, and stirring a faint, tingling sensation.
Lu Ronghuai appeared satisfied. A careless smile curved his lips. “Eighth Brother, did you hear? This prince’s consort is not as timid as you.”
Lu Rongshen stared at Chu Yuan in disbelief.
He declared in pained outrage, “Third Sister-in-law, I never expected you to fear Third Brother so greatly that you dare not even speak the truth.”
Chu Yuan: “…”
“You seem to be conversing most lively.” A voice sounded from the doorway, and two figures entered.
Lu Rongshen rose and cupped his hands. “Elder Brother, Second Brother, you have arrived.”
Chu Yuan also stood to bow.
Only Lu Ronghuai remained seated, even continuing to drink.
The Crown Prince smiled gently. “The capping ceremony of the Marquis of Xuanning’s heir is not something I would miss.”
Then he looked toward Chu Yuan. A flash of admiration passed through the depths of his eyes. His expression grew even more amiable. “Prince Li’s Consort need not be so formal. Please be seated.”
Prince Qi followed behind the Crown Prince. His gaze fell upon Lu Ronghuai, and his expression darkened. “Third Brother grows ever more ignorant of propriety. Seeing this Prince and the Crown Prince, yet you do not even bow.”
Lu Ronghuai was in the midst of pouring wine. Hearing this, his thin lips lifted slightly, and his eyes full of mockery. “Is Elder Brother newly acquainted with this prince? Or have you forgotten the last time you were beaten by this Prince until you could not rise from bed, hm?”
“You!” Prince Qi flushed crimson. He flicked his sleeve and gave a cold laugh. “You rely merely on having won a few battles and grasping military merit to strut about. So what of it? Father Emperor still made you marry a discarded prince from a small kingdom. How laughable!”
When he finished speaking, he cast a provocative glance at Chu Yuan.
Chu Yuan’s expression remained calm, though his face grew faintly pale.
Lu Ronghuai set down the wine pot. His long, distinct fingers tapped lightly against the rim of the cup. A crisp sound rang out. The clear, fragrant wine within trembled, forming small ripples along the surface.
“Xian Feng. Xian Yu. Guard the door.” His words were lazy and leisurely, even relaxed and casual.
Xian Feng and Xian Yu immediately stepped forward to block the entrance.
Prince Qi was startled. “Lu Ronghuai, what are you doing?!”
“Naturally, helping Elder Brother recall the feeling of being beaten.”
Prince Qi shouted sharply, “You dare!”
“This Prince has never been fond of reason,” Lu Ronghuai said, lifting the wine cup to his lips. Amusement tinged his brows and eyes. “This Prince is in a good mood today and will grant you a chance.”
“Apologize to this Prince’s consort. Otherwise, you shall be carried out.”
✧ A Word from the Author ✧
Lu Ronghuai: This prince is about to beat someone. I am delighted.
Chu Yuan: …
Thank you for your support! bows
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