Lu Ronghuai’s Ears Twitched
On the final day of the first lunar month, the Xu family held a longevity banquet.
Grand Tutor Xu had served through two reigns and was also the natal family of Noble Consort Xu. Those who came to offer congratulations were all figures of rank and standing within the court.
When Lu Ronghuai arrived, the Xu residence was already filled with guests. Laughter and conversation rang through the halls.
“Prince Li has arrived!” a servant called loudly at the entrance of the banquet hall.
The people inside, who had been raising cups and speaking merrily, were all startled.
“Grand Tutor Xu actually invited Prince Li?”
Lu Ronghuai stepped around the carved screen and entered. Hearing this, he looked toward General Fang of Zhen Nan. “General Fang was invited as well. Is it so strange that this Prince was invited?”
In his younger years, Fang Xinhai had disagreed politically with Grand Tutor Xu. The two had even fought in the square before Qianzheng Hall, grabbing at each other’s hair, becoming the talk of the capital for many days.
From then on, the Fang and Xu families had been at odds and kept no contact.
No one had expected that now, with both nearing the age of retirement, they would reconcile as if nothing had happened, altering their former course entirely.
Fang Xinhai’s thick brows drew together. He had no wish to argue today. “Not strange at all. Prince Li is greatly favored these days. It is only proper that he be invited to a birthday banquet.”
Prince Qi added, “Why has Third Brother come alone today? Where is Third Brother’s consort? Your consort’s name is quite resounding among the common people now. Why not bring him out so everyone may have a look?”
“You think yourself worthy of seeing this Prince’s Ah-Yuan? I suggest you return and purchase a large bronze mirror, then take a good look at your own face.” Lu Ronghuai fixed his gaze on Prince Qi’s face, his expression full of disdain.
Though Prince Qi was not as strikingly handsome as Lu Ronghuai, he was by no means unattractive. To be humiliated thus, in the past he would certainly have flared up and quarreled.
Yet today, Prince Qi endured it. He merely shot him a vicious glare.
“Third Brother, sit here.” Lu Rongshen beckoned.
Lu Ronghuai walked over. The surrounding guests instinctively stepped aside. Once he sat down, the people at the adjacent table rose and moved elsewhere, unwilling to sit near him.
Lu Ronghuai was long accustomed to such reactions.
“Third Brother, Fang Xinhai and the Xu family are about to become relatives by marriage. The Xu family’s youngest daughter is discussing marriage with the Fang family’s eldest son,” Lu Rongshen whispered near his ear.
He had arrived early and overheard a few bits of gossip.
“Has Xu Maoqing grown senile? That Fang Shuyu is hardly a suitable match,” Lu Ronghuai said evenly.
Lu Rongshen’s smile turned sly. “Grand Tutor Xu was forced into haste by you. That youngest daughter of the Xu family was clamoring to marry you, even threatening her life. Her reputation is ruined. She is already eighteen, if she remains unmarried, leave it much longer and she will be considered well past marriageable age.”
“Very well. Let us raise a cup in blessing for her.” Lu Ronghuai lifted his cup and clinked it lightly against Lu Rongshen’s.
Lu Rongshen laughed hard enough to clutch his stomach, then straightened up and peered toward the other side of the hall before drawing back with a look of disappointment.
“I just inquired. Xu Zhizhi is not seated among the female guests today. Grand Tutor Xu must have locked her in her chambers to prevent her from coming out to see you.”
He had heard rumors of Xu Zhizhi’s recklessness and had hoped to witness some spectacle in person. Who would have thought the Grand Tutor would be so resolute, refusing even to let his own granddaughter attend his birthday feast.
“If he guards against Third Brother so carefully, I fail to see why he invited you in the first place,” Lu Rongshen said.
“You will understand soon enough.”
Lu Rongshen blinked. “What?”
The banquet hall was spacious, with carved screens arranged along the sides. The female guests were seated separately. At that moment, Grand Tutor Xu was speaking with the Crown Princess.
Liu Jinglan had come in place of the Crown Prince. The Grand Tutor could not slight the dignity of the Crown Prince. Supported by his two sons, he went over to exchange words with the Crown Princess.
“This old minister troubles the Crown Princess to convey his greetings to His Highness the Crown Prince.”
Liu Jinglan wore a courteous smile. “The Grand Tutor’s sentiments will certainly be conveyed to His Highness.”
After a brief exchange, Grand Tutor Xu invited Liu Jinglan to take the seat of honor, then was assisted back to the main hall.
The Xu family had expended great effort in arranging the feast. Musicians performed within the hall, invited from a renowned music house in Ye Jing.
Fine dishes passed the lips. Exquisite melodies and graceful dance accompanied the feast. Conversation and laughter blended in harmony.
Fang Xinhai rose, cup in hand, smiling broadly at Grand Tutor Xu. “On this day of my old friend’s birthday, we wish him robust health and blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea.”
Everyone stood to offer their toast.
Lu Rongshen was about to stand as well. He glanced at Lu Ronghuai, who remained seated, unmoving, and quietly sat back down.
If his elder brother did not stand, neither would he.
Grand Tutor Xu rose in return, his smile unchanged as his gaze brushed over the two of them. “My thanks to the General and to all of you. Should there be any shortcomings in this household’s hospitality, I beg your indulgence.”
Fang Xinhai laughed heartily. “The Grand Tutor is too modest. These fine wines and delicacies are rarely seen in ordinary days. The sons of the Xu family have handled matters with care. We almost wish to reside here permanently, do we not?”
The others nodded in agreement out of courtesy.
Lu Rongshen muttered under his breath, “The dishes are not even as good as those at Fuxian Tower. They are truly rather ostentatious.”
Lu Ronghuai inclined his head, recalling that Ah-Yuan had yet to taste the fare of Fuxian Tower. “After this, go to Fuxian Tower. Pack several of their signature dishes and send them to my residence.”
Lu Rongshen stared. “Why do you not go yourself? After the banquet disperses, I still plan to purchase rouge for Mother Consort.”
He was restricted in the hours he might leave the palace. If he went to Fuxian Tower as well, there would be no time to buy the rouge.
“I am heading to the Western Market. I will purchase the rouge. Tomorrow, after morning court, I will deliver it to Consort Ye,” Lu Ronghuai said.
Lu Rongshen asked curiously, “What are you doing in the Western Market?”
“Buying a few garments for Ah-Yuan.”
“There are embroiderers within the Prince’s residence. Their workmanship is no worse than those outside. Let them make a few sets.”
Lu Ronghuai cast him a look. Those who had never married did not understand the quiet pleasures that came afterward.
“That is different. If I purchase them personally and present them to him, that is my intention. Do you understand what intention means?”
“I—”
“You have not taken a wife. You would not understand.”
“Oh.” Lu Rongshen responds flatly.
You have a wife, how impressive. Hmph!
“Everyone, there is another matter to announce,” Grand Tutor Xu said, rising once more, his expression mild as he regarded the assembled guests.
Though advanced in years, decades in office had cultivated an imposing presence. He slowly surveyed the hall. A sincere smile creased his aged face.
“This old man’s youngest granddaughter has exchanged birth charts with the Fang family’s eldest son. The wedding date will soon be set. When the time comes, this old man hopes all of you will honor us with your presence.”
The guests first looked puzzled. Then comprehension dawned, and they rose to offer congratulations.
Fang Xinhai appeared composed, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. It was evident that the matter was settled. The Xu and Fang families would soon become relatives by marriage.
Many present began calculating silently.
The court was divided into factions. The Crown Prince’s party and Prince Qi’s supporters were numerous. With the Xu and Fang families united by marriage, it was clear they had chosen Prince Qi’s camp.
Lu Rongshen’s heart chilled slightly. He murmured, “The Xu family has completely abandoned Fourth Brother.”
Noble Consort Xu had borne one son and one daughter. The eldest princess was already married. Only the Fourth Prince remained. He had come of age last year and established his own residence, bearing the title Prince Rui.
Prince Rui had been born with a weak constitution, perpetually reliant on medicine. His frame was thin. Having lived in seclusion within the inner palace for years, he was nearly invisible and gradually forgotten.
Lu Ronghuai lifted his cup. At these words, he paused and glanced sideways at the sighing Lu Rongshen, then gave a faint smile. “Attend to yourself first. Grand Censor Ye may yet cast his lot with them.”
Lu Rongshen protested, “Impossible. My maternal grandfather may be rigid, but he does care for me, his grandson.”
“Yes. He cares for you very much.” Lu Ronghuai tipped back his cup. A flash of knowing amusement in his eyes.
Lu Rongshen was straightforward in temperament, as bright and fervent as the midday sun. It was precisely for this grandson that Ye Qi had spent careful thought selecting a particularly formidable wife for this grandson of his.
Thinking of his younger brother’s future, Lu Ronghuai reached out and patted his shoulder, his smile earnest. “Eighth Brother’s fortunate days lie ahead.”
Lu Rongshen straightened proudly. “I think so as well.”
On the other side, among the female guests, Liu Jinglan listened to the commotion of congratulations. Her expression gradually cooled.
The Crown Prince had been making overtures toward Xu Maoqing. Yet Prince Qi had acted first, securing a significant ally.
Liu Jinglan rose. Her skirts trailed across the floor. She cast a glance at her maid. The maid inclined her head and moved toward the outer hall.
“Grand Tutor, Her Highness the Crown Princess must return to the palace to attend to the Crown Prince and will not remain longer.”
Grand Tutor Xu understood well. By announcing the alliance with the Fang family publicly, he had inevitably offended the Crown Prince.
He clasped his hands. “I respectfully see the Crown Princess off.”
The others rose as well. “This minister respectfully sees the Crown Princess off.”
Grand Tutor Xu observed every courtesy and accompanied Liu Jinglan personally to the gate.
She turned, her expression cool and remote. “Grand Tutor need not escort me further. This Crown Princess’s carriage awaits ahead.”
Having spoken, she did not wait for further words. Supported by her maid, she descended the steps and entered her carriage without looking back.
Grand Tutor Xu stood at the entrance, watching the Eastern Palace entourage depart.
Footsteps sounded behind him. Lu Ronghuai came to stand at his side.
Lu Rongshen greeted him cheerfully. “Grand Tutor, Third Brother and I have other matters to attend to and will take our leave.”
Grand Tutor Xu bowed with neither servility nor arrogance. “Third Prince, please take care. Eighth Prince, please take care.”
Lu Ronghuai curved his lips. “Grand Tutor, do not forget to send this Prince a wedding invitation. I wish to come and observe the festivities.”
Grand Tutor Xu fell silent. “…”
“This old minister returned to the capital at the end of last year and neglected to offer congratulations. Congratulations on Your Highness’s marriage and on obtaining a worthy consort,” he said sincerely.
Had he not heard in Ping City that Prince Li had taken a consort, he would never have dared to bring his youngest granddaughter back to the capital.
Lu Ronghuai appeared satisfied. “Grand Tutor speaks truly. This Prince has married the finest consort under heaven.”
Lu Rongshen grinned widely and asked deliberately, “Why have we not seen the Grand Tutor’s youngest granddaughter today?”
Grand Tutor Xu’s eyelid twitched. “In reply to Eighth Prince, she is preparing for marriage and is presently studying propriety and ritual.”
“Let’s go.” Lu Ronghuai had no patience to linger and departed first.
“Third Brother, wait for me.” Lu Rongshen hurried after him.
Grand Tutor Xu watched the two figures recede into the distance, then instructed a steward, “Strengthen the guards at Zhizhi’s courtyard. Before the wedding, she is not to step beyond its gates.”
Lu Ronghuai sent Lu Rongshen to Fuxian Tower and rode alone to the Western Market.
He entered the most renowned ready-made clothing shop there. Upon learning he was Prince Li, the shopkeeper summoned his courage and personally attended him.
“Your Highness, what do you require?” the shopkeeper asked carefully, smiling in flattery.
Lu Ronghuai surveyed the shop. “Bring out the finest garments in your establishment.”
The shopkeeper hurried to order the clerks to fetch them.
“These are the new spring designs. This one is woven of snow gauze and silk. The texture is light and soft against the skin, and—”
Lu Ronghuai cut him off. “Wrap them all.”
The shopkeeper’s eyes shone as though he beheld a patron made of gold.
“Very good. Is there anything else Your Highness requires? This shop will grant you a twenty percent reduction.”
Lu Ronghuai shook his head. He had come solely to purchase garments for Ah-Yuan. The styles were all suitable. Ah-Yuan would look well in them.
The shopkeeper was unwilling to relent. As the clerks swiftly packed the clothing, he gestured toward a robe displayed on a stand.
“Your Highness, this dark-sandalwood robe would suit you well. Our embroiderer labored half a year to complete it. It has hung here three months, and none dare try it on. It demands an exceptional figure. Your Highness might consider it.”
Lu Ronghuai looked toward the robe.
The shopkeeper pressed on. “Your Highness possesses bearing like dragon and phoenix. Only upon you could this garment display its full merits.”
Lu Ronghuai remained unmoved.
The shopkeeper, adept at reading expressions, applied another inducement. “Many young masters of prominent families competed for it before the New Year. If worn when meeting one’s beloved, it would surely add brilliance to the occasion.”
Lu Ronghuai’s ears twitched.
“Take it down. This Prince will examine it.”
The shopkeeper’s face broke into a delighted smile. He went over and retrieved the robe, presenting it with both hands.
Lu Ronghuai lowered his gaze. The fabric was excellent and weighty. It required considerable height and a narrow waist. An ordinary man could not carry it.
“Wrap it as well,” Lu Ronghuai said evenly.
The shopkeeper’s smile broadened.
“When Your Highness wears this robe to meet your beloved, that person will surely gaze at you without blinking for an entire day.”
“Mm.” Lu Ronghuai nodded with complete composure.
✧ A Word from the Author ✧
Shopkeeper: If Your Highness wears it on a date, your beloved will not be able to take their eyes off you.
Lu the dog (on the surface): Mm.
Lu the dog (in truth): Ah-Yuan, let me dazzle you senseless.
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