Chapter 19

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Today was the grand palace banquet, yet Consort Xu was behaving furtively at such a moment, making it hard to believe she had no other intentions. Ever since His Majesty revoked her official title, her reputation within the palace had plummeted; even Sun Cairen, who used to associate with her, rarely visited anymore. But that was only natural. A person who delights in stabbing others in the back could easily do the same to anyone else in the future; it was no wonder Sun Cairen chose to distance herself.

However, this only fueled Consort Xu’s resentment. She would surely find other means to regain favor. After such an incident, she would likely become even more secretive and careful, leaving no traces behind—such was the way of survival within the palace.

As the auspicious hour approached, Sang Qingyun withdrew her gaze. There were many matters she needed to be aware of but chose not to intervene. So even if something were to happen shortly and she suspected Consort Xu, she would remain silent.

At this moment, the soldiers competing were all in formation, various banners fluttering along the shore. A smiling general approached His Majesty with long strides to report, “Your Majesty, the auspicious hour has arrived. Please strike the drum yourself.”

Amid eager anticipation, Xie Yanheng struck the large imperial drum by the riverside pavilion, the increasingly fervent beating igniting cheers along the shore. Nine dragon boats surged forward neck and neck, their crews well-trained and swift. Leading the pack was a boat flying a tiger-striped cloud banner.

Consort Yuan gently exclaimed and stood up, pointing to the water with a smile: “Look, the one leading with the tiger-striped cloud banner is, if I recall correctly, led by Consort Nie’s brother. Truly outstanding.”

Consort Nie smiled softly, pursing her lips. “My brother has been diligent in his studies since childhood and vowed to serve His Majesty faithfully as he grew. He is often busy at the Imperial City Office and seldom home. Seeing him strive so valiantly now, I’m glad his efforts have not been in vain.”

While chatter filled the Tingzhou riverside pavilion, the team led by Consort Nie’s brother reached the finish line first with remarkable speed. The annual dragon boat race was not only a grand event but also a display of the soldiers’ spirit and skill. Xie Yanheng had reigned for merely three years but worked tirelessly day and night to govern with diligence. Witnessing such a splendid race this year brought him great joy and relief.

Clapping his hands with a smile, he said, “I reward the top three each year, and this year shall be no exception. Consort Nie’s brother is talented and his performance at the Imperial City Office is well known to me. I had intended to promote him, so this is a double cause for celebration.”

Consort Nie, pleased beyond measure, hurriedly stood to express gratitude: “I humbly thank Your Majesty on behalf of my brother.”

Xie Yanheng gestured airily in acknowledgment: “Your brother served me loyally in the previous reign, and you have raised Yuyue for me. Both are my meritorious subjects.”

“Yuyue is my only daughter and so obedient and lovely; I see you have nurtured her with great care.”

Consort Nie looked deeply at His Majesty, a gentle smile curving her lips as she softly replied, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s praise.”

The Empress smiled and said, “There are few heirs in the harem now—only two princes and one princess. The prosperity of the harem’s offspring is the blessing of the realm; the other consorts must work harder.”

“Consort, you have served His Majesty for many years, yet among the principal seats in the palace, you alone have no children. His Majesty favors you so much; it is time for you to give him a little prince. Don’t you agree?”

Consort Yuan’s complexion shifted immediately.

The Empress’s words were clearly meant to strike at her heart, deliberately embarrassing her in front of so many. Everyone present knew she bore no offspring, and who did not long for a child of their own? She had once hoped to bear His Majesty’s eldest son—if not for her, how could she be childless to this day?

Every mention of children filled Consort Yuan with bitterness, yet the Empress dared to bring it up openly before her.

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But since this was a grand banquet and she had just barely reconciled with His Majesty, she could not afford to err again. Forcing a smile, she replied lightly, “With His Majesty’s favor, I shall endeavor to bear more princes and princesses to keep the second prince company. Your Majesty need not worry.”

Seeing Consort Yuan’s expression, the Empress clearly disregarded her retort and smiled faintly.

After the top three teams received their rewards from His Majesty at the riverside pavilion, it was nearly time for the midday banquet. All rose and followed His Majesty to the Yiqing Hall.

Yiqing Hall was the venue for the grand feast. In celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival, it had been thoroughly cleaned and adorned, splendid and exquisite.

Upon entering with His Majesty, Sang Qingyun caught the fresh scent of mugwort; the hall was truly magnificent.

Along both sides of the tables were not only various delicacies but also an array of exquisite zongzi—sticky rice dumplings—which the late emperor had called “bamboo leaf seats.” The side halls and courtyard were prepared with several small amusements for guests to enjoy.

By now, the Grand Dowager, royal relatives, and ministers were all seated. Sang Qingyun looked up and saw Prince Yi glancing in her direction.

Uncertain of his intentions, she nodded slightly in respect and stood quietly near His Majesty’s side.

After the officials offered their congratulations, song and dance performances began, and small groups of people started conversing quietly.

Sang Qingyun and Dai Zheng stood to His Majesty’s left and right, attending him. The night was long and uneventful, so she watched the entertainment inside the hall.

At some point, Dai Zheng slipped out quietly and returned to her side, whispering in her ear, “Qingyun, Prince Yi asks me to tell you he is waiting for you in the courtyard. It seems he has something to discuss.”

Surprised and unsure of the matter, Sang Qingyun nodded and quietly stepped out.

As she left, Xie Yanheng, who had been casually chatting with the Empress, glanced over at her.

Soon, Sang Qingyun found Prince Yi standing before a flowerbed in the courtyard.

She respectfully bowed, “Your servant greets Prince Yi. May Your Highness be well.”

Prince Yi turned and, seeing Sang Qingyun had indeed come, was overjoyed. “Miss Qingyun, I didn’t expect you to come.”

Sang Qingyun was puzzled. “May I ask, Your Highness, what urgent matter brings you to seek me?”

Only then did Prince Yi recall his true purpose and hurriedly said, “Since the last time we met before the imperial court and parted from the Crown Prince, I have been worried about you.”

“After you returned, did the Crown Prince cause you any trouble?”

Many things had happened after Prince Yi left that day, but Sang Qingyun had not discovered the full story. What could have happened then that made Prince Yi so concerned for her?

Prince Yi was blunt and quick-tongued; she could not ask directly: “His Majesty has treated your servant kindly and has not caused me harm. Why would Your Highness think otherwise?”

Prince Yi rubbed his nose. “The Crown Prince trusts you and naturally doesn’t want to let you go. If I wanted you, he wouldn’t show anger openly. But you know, since ascending the throne, he’s changed—many things can’t be said plainly. You can’t stay at court forever; you can’t be delayed.”

“I’ve thought long and hard. If you personally ask the Crown Prince to let you come to my residence, maybe he won’t stop you.”

“The Crown Prince is proud and despises anything forced upon him. If you don’t want to stay, there’s no point in him keeping you.”

Sang Qingyun was quite surprised.

She had only known that His Majesty once intended to betroth Zhao Yuyan to Prince Yi, but both refused, and the matter was dropped. She hadn’t realized there was such a reason behind it—that Prince Yi had requested her from His Majesty.

Prince Yi’s relationship with His Majesty was very close; he often had his requests granted, yet he did not want to take her away—

According to Dai Zheng, Prince Yi left the palace shortly after entering that day; now she understood why.

Though the work before the throne was hard, there was always hope. If His Majesty truly gifted her to Prince Yi as a concubine or servant, her life would be ruined forever.

Sang Qingyun immediately refused. “Your Highness, please do not joke. I am but a humble servant and do not deserve your concern. Besides, I am indispensable here and will not go elsewhere.”

Prince Yi sighed lightly, his eyes still filled with admiration. “Indeed, I like you because you are different from the rest.”

Sang Qingyun felt as though facing a mortal enemy and lowered her head further, kneeling. “Your Highness, I am honored but unworthy of your affection. Please reserve such serious feelings for someone you truly love, so as not to disappoint.”

Prince Yi was puzzled and explained, “I only think you are wonderful—good-natured and brewing excellent tea. I do not want to see you suffer. But since you refuse, I will not force you. Just pretend I never said a word.”

“Thank you for your understanding. I am endlessly grateful,” Sang Qingyun glanced around and bowed once more. “You cannot stay here near His Majesty; please return to the hall.”

With that, she quickly returned through the side door of Yiqing Hall and stood calmly by His Majesty’s side.

Xie Yanheng did not turn his head, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sang Qingyun return, faintly scented with rose blossoms.

If she had merely changed clothes, there would be no floral fragrance.

His heart inexplicably sank a little.

Looking up again, Prince Yi came back from outside, arriving just moments after Sang Qingyun.

Recalling the joking words Prince Yi had said that day, Xie Yanheng felt an inexplicable agitation, a subtle unrest lingering in his heart.

The song and dance inside the hall were nearing their end. After one piece concluded, the Empress smiled and spoke, “The consorts have long prepared their performances. His Majesty, would you care to watch?”

Xie Yanheng replied warmly, “Granted.”

At that moment, Yan Ronghua rose gracefully from her seat.

Today, she was dressed brilliantly in a scarlet palace gown that highlighted her fair complexion, exuding charm and allure. After a respectful bow, she withdrew to change. When she returned, she wore a shimmering green dance costume, rich as satin, her slender waist wrapped tightly—an entirely different appearance.

Sang Qingyun knew Yan Ronghua had not seen His Majesty for many days since the new concubine’s arrival. Today, hoping to regain His Majesty’s favor, she intended to perform her signature Green Waist Dance.

As the soft orchestral music began in the hall, Yan Ronghua bent gracefully and started to dance lightly, her movements flowing like a dragon in flight.

Yet, as the audience admired her dance, Yan Ronghua’s expression suddenly changed drastically. She cried out in shock and collapsed to the ground.

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