Tonight, Do You Truly Not Intend to Consummate the Marriage?
The study remained quiet for some time.
Zhao Lu’s complexion was dark. He revealed a somewhat simple-minded smile. “This subordinate followed Your Highness’s earlier instructions. We stirred up quite a commotion along the road, confirming Your Highness’s dissatisfaction with the marriage, so…”
“Speak to the point.” Lu Ronghuai pressed his fingers to his temple.
“Oh. From this subordinate’s observation, this Prince Consort behaved very properly during the journey. There was nothing unusual.” Zhao Lu grinned.
Xian Yu looked surprised. “Truly none?”
“I kept watch personally. Could there be any mistake? That said, it was not entirely without gain.” Zhao Lu glanced at Lu Ronghuai. “Others along the way made no small moves.”
“Were any captured?” Cheng Zhi stroked his beard. A sharp light passed through his eyes.
“Hmph. When this general acts, how could anyone escape capture?” Zhao Lu snorted, displeased at the gray-robed old man’s apparent doubt.
“Those men used despicable methods. Assassination under cover of night, poison mixed into food, drugged incense hidden in candles…”
“The Prince Consort’s health was frail. He was either unconscious or coughing. He took more medicine than food. I personally guarded both him and the medicine. I did not allow those people to succeed.”
“Speaking of the Prince Consort, he is somewhat peculiar. He never permits candles to be lit at night. Who knows what strange habit that is.”
Lu Ronghuai’s gaze paused. He looked up, dark eyes sharp and direct. “Were there any other irregularities at night?”
Zhao Lu considered carefully, then shook his head. “None.”
“Those men. Does Your Highness wish to interrogate them personally?” Cheng Zhi asked.
“No need. Aside from those within the palace, there is no one else.” Lu Ronghuai folded the letter in his hand and set it aside.
Cheng Zhi was startled. “Could it be that more than one person was involved?”
Lu Ronghuai spread a sheet of paper upon the desk and took up his brush. A flicker of ridicule passed through his eyes. “Naturally. For such lively entertainment, how could my good brothers stand aside?”
Zhao Lu did not follow these subtleties. He scratched his head. “Was this marriage not arranged by their own hands? Why obstruct it now?”
Seeing his straightforward manner, Cheng Zhi merely shook his head.
As Lu Ronghuai wrote his reply, Xian Feng spoke in his stead. “Has General Zhao forgotten the fate of His Highness’s previous fiancées?”
“……” Zhao Lu blinked and his mind went blank for a moment. “Did they not die of illness?”
Xian Feng replied, “Where in this world are there such coincidences? Has the general not heard the rumors outside?”
Zhao Lu had heard them but never took them seriously. He knew his Highness’s character and dismissed such talk. “Only fools would believe that. His Highness has spent these years away from the capital and never had contact with those three. How could there be talk of bringing misfortune upon wives?”
Cheng Zhi, who had been silent, suddenly smiled. “General Zhao is frank by nature and does not heed such rumors. Even so, do not underestimate their power.”
“At times, they wound more deeply than blades.”
Zhao Lu slapped the table. “Alarmist talk.”
Cheng Zhi did not take offense. His expression remained mild. “Has the general never wondered why His Highness’s reputation has declined so severely?”
Zhao Lu answered at once, “Because His Highness keeps a cold face all day?”
“……” Silence fell.
Lu Ronghuai gave a faint smile. “Does your skin itch for a beating?”
Zhao Lu hurried over and poured him a cup of tea. “This subordinate was merely joking to lighten the mood.”
“An eyesore. Return to your seat.”
“Yes, at once.”
Knowing his Highness was not truly angered, Zhao Lu obediently returned.
Cheng Zhi stroked his beard, eyes half-closed. “It is fortunate that this Prince Consort from the Kingdom of Chu met with no mishap on the road and entered the residence safely.”
Xian Feng and Xian Yu nodded.
Outside, rumors spread that their Highness was violent and bloodthirsty, fated to be solitary. Had the Prince Consort also met misfortune, the stain upon his name would have been impossible to wash away.
Zhao Lu interjected, “That was due to this general’s painstaking escort. Otherwise that sickly fellow would have died eight hundred times over.”
As soon as he finished, he felt a chill along his neck. Turning his head, he saw Lu Ronghuai looking at him without expression.
Zhao Lu hastily added, “Of course, the greatest merit lies with Your Highness. Without Your Highness’s wise decisions, this subordinate could not have brought him back intact.”
Cheng Zhi rose and cupped his hands. “Your Highness, this matter bears both benefit and risk. The Kingdom of Chu’s actions may conceal further schemes. This humble one ventures to suggest that Your Highness remain cautious of the Prince Consort.”
Zhao Lu muttered, “What is there to guard against? A gust of wind could carry him off.”
Cheng Zhi cast him a look of disapproval. “General, do not be deceived by appearances. He is, after all, of the royal house of Chu. Your Highness should examine his background carefully, to guard against unforeseen circumstances.”
“Rest assured. I have my arrangements.” Lu Ronghuai sealed the three letters and handed them to Xian Feng. “Deliver them to Xian Yue. He will understand.”
“Yes.” Xian Feng departed.
“It grows late. This humble one shall take his leave. Your Highness should rest early,” Cheng Zhi said.
Lu Ronghuai inclined his head. “The roads are slippery in the snow. Walk carefully.”
Zhao Lu drained his tea and rose, patting his stomach. “This general has not returned home for over a month and greatly misses his wife. Your Highness, a spring night is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Do you truly not intend to consummate the marriage tonight?”
“Get lost.”
Cheng Zhi could bear no more and left first, shaking his head.
Zhao Lu laughed and fled swiftly.
The cold wind burst inward with the snow, making the candle flames flicker.
Lu Ronghuai raised his hand and pressed his temples again. His brows tightly furrowed as if impatient.
Xian Yu asked with concern, “Has Your Highness’s headache returned? Shall this subordinate summon the physician?”
“No need. Summon Xian Shuang.”
Xian Shuang arrived quickly, carrying an ornate food box. “Mao Shu sent this. Your Highness should remember to eat.”
Lu Ronghuai closed his eyes and kneaded his temple. “Report.”
Xian Shuang recounted Chu Yuan’s conduct throughout the day. At the end, he added awkwardly, “The Prince Consort appears unwell.”
Lu Ronghuai opened his eyes. The depths of his gaze were clear, reflecting the dancing candlelight, yet not a trace of warmth could be seen.
“My lord, should Xian Shuang continue watching him?”
Xian Yu recalled what Cheng Zhi had said earlier and could not quite discern what the prince intended.
“No need. Inform Mao Shu that his food, clothing, lodging, and allowances are to follow the standards of a master. The residence can afford two idlers.”
He leaned back, fingers tapping lightly against the desk. “Have the physician see him tomorrow.”
“Yes.”
“What news from the palace?”
“His Majesty visited the Empress’s palace tonight.”
Lu Ronghuai gave a cold laugh.
“This morning, Eunuch Yuan Sheng came from His Majesty’s side. He conveyed that in light of Your Highness’s marriage, His Majesty has granted seven days’ leave. Your Highness need not attend morning court.”
Lu Ronghuai nodded. His features were handsome, but few dared meet his gaze.
“You may withdraw.”
Xian Yu left. Xian Shuang remained.
Lu Ronghuai took up his brush again. “Is there something?”
Xian Shuang hesitated. He had observed that the two maids harbored improper thoughts toward their master, yet he was not skilled with words.
“In seven days it will be Your Highness’s birthday. Mao Shu asks whether a banquet should be held.”
“No. Anything else?”
“Nothing. This subordinate takes his leave.”
Better not mention it. His Highness did not draw near to women. Should those two maids dare scheme, they would meet no good end.
The next day, snow weighed heavy upon the branches.
Early in the morning, Mao Shu personally led men to deliver the dowry to Baochun Courtyard. The residence physician came as well.
Chu Yuan had caught a chill. When he awoke, his throat was swollen and his mind clouded.
After taking his pulse, the physician prescribed medicine. “Decoct and take three times daily, after meals.”
Mao Shu nodded and sent a servant to prepare it.
Before leaving, he glanced at Chu Yuan sleeping upon the bed. His lips were pale and cracked. A low fever had flushed his fair face. Even the corners of his eyes were reddened. He looked pitiful.
Remembering Lu Ronghuai’s instructions, Mao Shu beckoned Le Shu and spoke gently. “Attend the Prince Consort carefully. Should anything arise, come to me.”
Le Shu nodded, eyes reddened.
Mao Shu smiled kindly. “With the wedding, affairs in the residence have been many. The courtyard was arranged by servants. Upon seeing it today, I find they were careless and slighted the Prince Consort. I shall reprimand them.”
Le Shu pressed his lips together and bowed. “Many thanks, Mao Shu.”
“Return to attend your master. The medicine will be delivered shortly.” Mao Shu departed.
Within half a shichen, several servants arrived to replace the furnishings and bedding. Tonics and bolts of cloth were also delivered.
Chu Yuan was roused by the commotion. As soon as he opened his eyes, Le Shu hurried over. “Young Master, the steward has sent many things to nourish your health.”
Chu Yuan listened quietly. His eyes were clear and bright like glass beads, yet without joy. “Put them away. Keep them carefully.”
Le Shu was startled. “They were sent for your use.”
“I have no need.” He coughed softly, pain tightening in his chest.
Seeing Le Shu’s confusion, he sat up despite his weakness. His face was pale. “We are dependent guests. Food and clothing are extended to us by others. Over time, charity turns to disdain.”
He lowered his eyes.
“At that time, we will be no different from stray dogs, enduring neglect and cold glances.”
“Better not to accept such favors from the beginning.”
“Le Shu, remember this. In this residence, we are the true outsiders.”
Since he was ten, he had understood that what did not belong to him could not be grasped by struggle.
Chu Yuan lifted his gaze and regarded the courtyard before him.
This was where he would remain for the rest of his life.
Remote and desolate.
More spacious than the ruined temple but lacking its last trace of freedom.
Very well, he thought.
Life was short. A few brief springs and autumns at most. He had come into this world for scarcely more than a decade, seen prosperity, and grown weary of time.
✧ A Word from the Author ✧
Chu Yuan (weathered expression): I am tired. I no longer wish to live.
Lu Ronghuai (shocked face): Yuan Yuan, how can I live without you? [ Erkang A meme gesture from the classic drama My Fair Princess, where the character Erkang dramatically reaches out as if pleading, often used online as “wait for me / don’t go.” reaching out]
Thank you all for the support. Deep bows!
***
A Yap from me lol:
Hi! I know I’m taking things slower this time. I usually post 2-3 chapters a day, but this is my first time working on a heavier historical story. Even though the titles and forms of address are mostly in English as I mentioned in my disclaimer for smoother reading, I still want to keep the tone formal without making it feel stiff.
If you’re used to my daily uploads, I really apologize coz I don’t think I can keep up that pace with this one. That said, I do have another story updating on M, W, & F, while this one goes up on T & Th. So in a way, it still feels like I’m posting every day, just alternating between the two.
However, I might try to publish all 10 chaps this week, and the same next week if I made it!!! I will try! Then after that, it will go back to 5 chaps a week. Yes I’m that delusional lolol.
Thank you so much for your patience. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I do. I’m reading it alongside you :')
Let’s do this together! 😸
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