Chapter 50
The incident on the thirtieth night was quickly suppressed by the Emperor. The palace maid who had been favored was given by Empress Feng to Qi Hua, granting her both status and dignity. The Emperor had also specially summoned the Second Prince to Qianqing Palace to offer words of encouragement and rewarded him with some toys. In any case, on the surface, everything appeared complete and proper, with no lapses whatsoever.
But privately, the Emperor had grown so angry it festered in his chest. He had to take several doses of qi-opening and chest-relieving medicine, and he didn't even have a proper New Year. As for Empress Feng, she had collapsed from exhaustion due to the excessive year-end affairs. The Emperor, unwilling to let the Empress exert herself, ordered her to rest peacefully and forbade anyone in the palace to add to her worries. Before the New Year had even passed, the Phoenix Palace had grown so quiet it was no different from a cold palace. As for the Second Prince, Qi Hua—whether the Emperor had forgotten or simply chosen to ignore it—matters regarding his entry into court after the New Year, as previously mentioned, had dissipated along with the spectacular fireworks in the imperial city.
Just as someone was having misfortune, someone else was having good fortune. Princess Dunsu had recently encountered one good thing after another, and throughout the New Year season, she had been beaming with joy.
"You're being so generous to Zichen that you've frightened his mother," Princess Dunsu said with a smile as she looked at Qi Xiao. "He was just promoted to Proofreader before the New Year, and now you're elevating him again to the position of Editor in the Hanlin Academy. His mother came to me in a panic after receiving the official document, asking me how she could possibly repay your great kindness."
Qi Xiao smiled faintly. "It's not entirely due to me, you know. He Zichen has proven himself capable. These past two years in the Hanlin Academy, he's been diligent and conscientious. Especially after his promotion to Proofreader before the New Year, he's been meticulous in handling all matters. His superior often tells me what an excellent worker he is. Since Xu Hanlin is retiring after this New Year and that position is now vacant, I merely made a suggestion. They were the ones who pushed He Zichen up for the role. In the end, it was his own effort that paid off. The people in the Hanlin Academy don't play favorites—you need real talent. If he didn't have it, even my endorsement would have been useless."
Princess Dunsu laughed. "Now you're talking. Among all those Proofreaders, are they all incompetent? You picked him specifically for a reason. I've told his mother that you want for nothing, so there's no need for them to do anything in return. They simply need to remember your kindness."
Qi Xiao shook his head with a smile. "Exactly so. All we need is for him to treat the Princess well after their wedding. That will be thanks enough."
Princess Dunsu tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and chuckled. "You don't have to tell me. My sister-in-law has never met Roujia, yet she already regards her as a blessed star. Both she and Zichen are people who know gratitude. Rest easy."
A light smile crossed Qi Xiao's heart. He had nothing to be uneasy about, really. His efforts on He Zichen's behalf were only for Bai Ren's sake. Bai Ren had been willing to mortgage even his own body for Roujia's sake, but the siblings shared such deep affection—if he failed to arrange things properly for Roujia, wouldn't Bai Ren be worrying himself sick every day?
"There's also the matter of..." Qi Xiao reached unconsciously for the jade pendant at his waist but found it absent. He smiled and continued, "How goes the renovation of the residence His Majesty gifted? It's getting warmer day by day after the New Year. We can start preparing the flowers, trees, birds, and fish. If there's a shortfall in funds..."
Princess Dunsu cut him off with a laugh. "You needn't worry yourself over this. My sister-in-law isn't entirely without means. Over the years, she's saved quite a bit for Zichen. Even if it's not enough, I've got them covered. You can rest easy. When the wedding comes, it will be grand and proper. But there is one thing..."
Princess Dunsu fixed Qi Xiao with a serious look. "I've seen the residence His Majesty gifted. It's a five-entrance, five-courtyard compound. If you ask me, that's a bit excessive. After Roujia marries in, there will only be three proper heads of household in that residence—whatever would they do with such a large compound? So I've told my sister-in-law to just have the main rooms elegantly furnished. The back courtyards can be left empty for now, just kept clean by the servants. As for the staff, there's no need for a large recruitment—just enough people to get by. Roujia's Princess title is merely an honorary one; she has no actual fief or income. Zichen's salary is limited too. Supporting such a large estate would be a strain. For the wedding, there will be myself, yourself, and the Marquis—but what about after? Should they rely on others for constant charity? That would be humiliating for Zichen. Or should they simply eat into their savings until they're destitute? That would be even worse. This is what I've told them, and Zichen's mother said she's thought the same thing. She and Zichen are of the same mind on this. We only fear it might委屈 Roujia. So I've made the decision for them. Would this arrangement be acceptable?"
Qi Xiao paused, then nodded. "Perfectly reasonable. I'll go back and explain this to Bai Ren. I'm sure he'll understand."
Princess Dunsu smiled and nodded. "He's a sensible person; he should be able to see reason. I spoke with Zichen afterward, and the boy immediately said he wouldn't dare accept charity from others after the wedding. He'd work hard, perform his duties well, manage the household properly, and build up the family estate."
Qi Xiao smiled. "Excellent."
"I'll handle everything here. You needn't worry yourself at all." Princess Dunsu took a sip of tea and smiled. "This year, good news keeps coming one after another. Ever since that incident on the thirtieth, I've been eating well and sleeping soundly. These past days of busy work for Zichen and the others, I don't feel tired at all. My heart is so light, my body feels so comfortable."
Qi Xiao couldn't help but laugh. Princess Dunsu pressed a handkerchief to her lips and smiled. "Yesterday I went into the palace and visited Empress Feng. Ah... how pitiful. She seemed to have aged a decade in an instant. Her spirit and energy are gone. I heard she's become extremely temperamental lately, and at the slightest provocation, she takes it out on the palace maids in her residence. I didn't stay long—just sat a while before taking my leave. I hear His Majesty hasn't been in good spirits lately either?"
Qi Xiao gave a sardonic smile. "The rumors haven't died down yet—of course he can't be in good spirits. Yesterday Fuhailu sent someone to search for a skilled chef outside the palace. Hmph... He can't eat from his own anger, yet he blames the imperial cooks. Even if they found the flesh of the Tang monk, he probably still wouldn't be able to swallow a bite."
Princess Dunsu felt immensely gratified. She detained Qi Xiao and chatted about domestic matters for half the day. As the sky grew dark, she insisted he stay for dinner before letting him return to the Crown Prince's residence.
Though they were about to leave the first month behind, it was still bitterly cold in the capital. Qi Xiao huddled his hand warmer and wrapped himself in a fur cloak as he stepped down from the carriage. Turning to the attendant who came forward to greet him, he asked, "Has the Marquis dined yet?"
The man shook his head. "Not at all. He's been waiting for Your Highness."
Qi Xiao frowned. He made his way to the bedchamber, where in the warm pavilion Bai Ren was practicing calligraphy. Upon seeing Qi Xiao enter, Bai Ren put down his brush. "Why are you only returning now, Your Highness?"
"It's already the Hour of the Dog. You've been starving yourself waiting for me?" Qi Xiao hastily ordered the meal be served, then turned to the maidservants in the room and said coldly, "The Marquis didn't summon dinner, so you just watched him starve? Are you all dead?"
The maidservants hastily knelt and begged forgiveness. Bai Ren smiled. "Don't blame them unfairly. They urged me to eat from the Hour of the Rooster. I simply wasn't very hungry, and I wanted to write a few characters to calm my mind, so I delayed dinner a bit."
"A bit? It's been hours." Qi Xiao waved his hand impatiently. "Get up. Since the Marquis is interceding for you this time, you're spared. But if this happens again, I'll have you beaten to death. You're placed here to serve—do you think your job is to stand around looking pretty?"
Bai Ren苦笑ed and quickly said, "Come now, the New Year hasn't even passed yet. Why speak of such things? You've likely already eaten. Keep me company and have a bit more, yes?"
Qi Xiao readily agreed. As they dined, he recounted to Bai Ren the conversation with Princess Dunsu that afternoon. Bai Ren nodded repeatedly. "Precisely. Roujia isn't some grasping, demanding person either. A slightly humble life would be nothing to her. I valued He Zichen's character in the first place. As long as they live in harmony, their circumstances will surely improve."
Qi Xiao smiled faintly and said nothing. Bai Ren noticed. "What is it? Did I say something wrong?"
Qi Xiao placed a piece of lotus root sandwich in Bai Ren's bowl and shook his head with a smile. "No. I simply think you're starting to behave like a proper elder brother-in-law."
Bai Ren chuckled softly, then lowered his head and bit into the lotus root. Qi Xiao merely picked at his food for appearances' sake, barely touching his chopsticks. Instead, he spent most of the meal putting food into Bai Ren's bowl. Quietly, he said, "Roujia traveled from Lingnan only after the marriage was officially settled, so she's certainly brought her dowry. But... that Lady of yours—the one from the side chamber—has quite the capabilities. I suspect those dowry goods might not be to your liking. My storeroom..."
"Your Highness..." Bai Ren cut him off, then paused. "Your Highness knows what's in my storeroom. It should be enough to add to Roujia's trousseau."
"Selling won't sell, pawning won't pawn—only giving them away as gifts remain." Bai Ren grinned mischievously. "Besides, these things were originally meant for the King of Lingnan anyway. They wouldn't end up in my hands anyway. Why not give them to Roujia? No matter how formidable Lady Xia is, and no matter how stingy my father might be, when they check the accounts in the future... they surely couldn't demand the dowry back from the son-in-law's household, right?"
Qi Xiao burst out laughing and nodded. "Fair enough."
Bai Ren wasn't particularly fond of lotus root sandwiches. He took one bite and left the rest sitting in his bowl, avoiding it as he picked at the rice beside it. When Qi Xiao noticed, he picked up the half-eaten piece of lotus root and finished it himself in a few bites. Then he turned to the serving maids and said, "The Marquis doesn't care for this dish. It need not be served at table from now on."
The maidservants hurried off to inform the kitchen. Bai Ren's face flushed red instantly, but Qi Xiao appeared utterly unconcerned, continuing to chat and jest with Bai Ren as they ate.
Since their那次quarrel, Bai Ren had noticed that Qi Xiao's temperament had improved considerably. He no longer deliberately provoked him or crossed swords with him. Even when their opinions differed, he would first listen quietly to Bai Ren's thoughts, then gently explain his own position. At the end, he would patiently instruct Bai Ren on why things should be done a certain way. A fine teacher and a good friend—this was all one could ask for.
Of course, Qi Xiao hadn't become a saint overnight. This good temper was reserved solely for Bai Ren. Toward others—like those maidservants from before—Qi Xiao remained exactly as he'd always been. When he set his face, one sweep of his gaze could frighten a person to death.
Qi Xiao, too, felt that Bai Ren had changed. Before him, the wariness and coldness that Bai Ren displayed in front of others had melted away entirely. Once he shed that defensive layer, Bai Ren became as gentle and soft as a young creature. Whatever Qi Xiao said, Bai Ren would listen. He was attentive, always remembering to remind Qi Xiao of small matters. Without realizing it, he would show that unguarded devotion—aspects like waiting patiently for Qi Xiao to return so they could dine together. These were minor things, yet they warmed the heart most of all. Bai Ren's nature was inherently kind and pure, and under Qi Xiao's patient guidance, he would occasionally and unconsciously play coy or act endearingly adorable. Simply pitiful, simply lovable.
They lingered甜蜜地 through dinner, and by the time they finished, it had already reached the Hour of the Pig. Fearing that Bai Ren might suffer from indigestion if he lay down too soon, Qi Xiao smiled and said, "Bundle up warmly and let's take a walk? Lying down now would only harm your digestion."
Bai Ren nodded. Just as they were about to change clothes, Jiang Deqing entered from outside. Bowing low, he said, "Greetings to Your Highness the Crown Prince. Greetings to His Lordship the Marquis. News has just arrived from the envoys of Lingnan—it's been reported that... the Princess departed ten days ago. If all goes well, she should arrive at the imperial city within five days."
Noticing that Jiang Deqing's expression wasn't particularly pleasant, Qi Xiao frowned and asked, "What else is there?"
Jiang Deqing gave an awkward干笑. "There's also... traveling alongside her are the Second Prince of Lingnan, Dongling Wenyu, and Princess Kangtai."