For a moment, many people couldn’t recall whose courtyard Resting Heart Courtyard was.
Resting Heart Courtyard – it sounded like a cold palace.
Soon everyone learned this was Consort Baoxiang’s courtyard, and they looked at each other in alarm.
Murong Eighteen!
Wasn’t he the one rumored to be rebellious and treasonous, repeatedly assassinating his brothers and even daring to strike at the Great King?
There were even more secretive rumors that the six who had just died, as well as the Great King’s injuries, were also related to this person.
Some time ago, Consort Baoxiang had suddenly been confined, and Resting Heart Courtyard hadn’t even been given charcoal for winter heating. This incident also corroborated the truth of these rumors from the side.
So utterly conscienceless – why didn’t the Great King quickly execute him, but instead elevated Consort Baoxiang?
As soon as the decree was issued, the Queen’s quarters immediately fell into chaos, and from the Golden Side Consort’s place, the sound of smashing objects could be heard from far away.
But under Eunuch Chang’s leadership, the palace servants carried tables in an endless stream toward Resting Heart Courtyard, visible to all.
The gates of Resting Heart Courtyard were thrown wide open. Countless palace servants went in and out, sweeping and tidying, rearranging everything, trying to quickly organize this cold and shabby courtyard so it could receive the most noble people in the royal palace.
Consort Baoxiang sat in the main hall in brilliant colorful embroidery, radiant and glowing, watching the palace servants bustling about. She spoke joyfully to those around her: “The Great King has finally come to his senses. Today counts as clearing my name. I always said how could little Eighteen do such treasonous things? Those ill-intentioned goods, hearing the wind they think it’s rain, even daring to trample on me!”
Her personal palace maid glanced at the chilblains on her hands. This whole winter without good charcoal, everyone in the palace had suffered from the cold. When they heard Murong Yi had committed a great crime, Consort Baoxiang had angrily smashed her dressing table and cursed him as an unfilial traitor quite a bit.
Now the scars hadn’t yet faded, but pride had already climbed to her brows.
But in this palace, today’s glory could become tomorrow’s crime – where was there any lasting honor?
Outside the door came an apology, and Eunuch Chang bent slightly as he entered, ordering people to add more braziers and replace the old carpets with thick-furred rugs from the extreme northern dense forests.
Consort Baoxiang’s embroidered shoes adorned with pearls stepped onto the soft long fur of the rug. She felt that comfort travel directly from her feet to her brain, but a surge of anger rushed to her head. She glanced sideways at the respectfully humble Eunuch Chang and said with feigned surprise: “What is Eunuch doing? Such fine rugs – how is Resting Heart Courtyard worthy of using them? And these charcoal braziers, this silver thread charcoal – we haven’t seen any all winter. Is Eunuch certain these weren’t delivered to the wrong place?”
“There’s no mistake.” Eunuch Chang bent even lower. “Your Ladyship, forgive me. This winter, this old slave was busy with various matters concerning the Great King’s expedition and neglected to supervise those little fellows below, causing neglect to Your Ladyship. This old slave has already severely punished them. From now on, if Resting Heart Courtyard lacks anything in terms of provisions, Your Ladyship need only send someone to ask this old slave directly, and I will certainly arrange it properly for Your Ladyship.”
Consort Baoxiang watched this powerful eunuch who had always been courted throughout the palace but had always been indifferent toward her, now with an attitude so low he seemed ready to grovel in the dust. Her heart filled with satisfaction, almost wanting to burst into laughter, but she barely restrained herself. That smugness had already flown into the corners of her eyes, slanting out through her meticulously painted brows: “Eunuch manages ten thousand affairs daily. I, a mere small consort, dare not disturb you.”
“What words are these from Your Ladyship? You are a noble person of this rear palace. Whatever you want, the Great King would be willing to give. Your Ladyship need only command.”
After Eunuch Chang left, Consort Baoxiang looked around and laughed: “I’ve finally tested out what this old goods really thinks. Listen to that – he all but said the Great King wants to pass the throne to Eighteen! I always said those were rumors before – how could Eighteen possibly do such things!”
Her head palace maid smiled and lowered her eyes.
You didn’t say that before.
Didn’t you say he was rebellious and untamable, a naturally bad seed?
The head palace maid thought of their prince, remembering the conflicts every time mother and son met, remembering the rumors about this prince, and couldn’t help shivering.
But she respectfully said: “Your Ladyship speaks truly.”
Consort Baoxiang raised her eyebrows proudly and rose gracefully: “Alright, stop the idle talk. Everyone dress properly – we should go welcome our guests.”
But the guests were late in arriving.
And very incomplete.
The Great King was busy with various affairs, so naturally he would be the last to arrive. Consort Baoxiang waited in the front hall for a long time. First came several princes and princesses. The Liaodong King had many sons but few daughters – only three princesses who had never received much attention. After arriving, they sat to one side, and Consort Baoxiang only sent palace maids to attend them. The princes dared not disobey their father’s words and arrived in succession, but Consort Baoxiang watched with alarm – those who came were the weak third prince, the dim-witted fifth prince, the sixth and thirteenth princes born to palace maids, the lame eighth prince, and the tenth prince who always avoided people when walking… one misfit after another.
Only then did Consort Baoxiang belatedly realize – all the decent ones were gone?
This realization made her back feel as if electricity had passed through it. A cold chill shot from her tailbone to the crown of her head, making her scalp tingle wave after wave.
She should have been happy – with all the decent ones gone and only misfits remaining, little Eighteen stood out even more prominently, like a tree that stands out in the forest.
But if these misfits had been deliberately left behind, if it really was all little Eighteen’s doing…
Consort Baoxiang’s gaze swept over the relatively intact sixteenth and seventeenth princes. When they met her eyes, they looked as if they had seen a demon, backing away three steps in terror and hiding in the crowd.
Consort Baoxiang’s fear deepened.
Had little Eighteen really done all of this?
She felt unable to bear seeing the eighteen princes reduced to such a state – wouldn’t the Great King be stimulated seeing this?
She didn’t yet know that the Great King had taken five princes on his expedition, then watched them die one by one at his side. Whatever stimulation there was to receive had already been received.
However, glancing over the completely renewed courtyard, she immediately felt at ease again.
No, it was impossible. If little Eighteen had really done all this, the Great King would barely have time to hate them mother and son – how could he possibly give such elevation?
The Great King’s thoughts were as deep as an abyss. She didn’t understand and didn’t need to understand. Since he had given elevation, she would accept it. After all, she had been suppressed for so many years – this rare moment of glory, if not enjoyed once, would be a disservice to herself.
However, this enjoyment was soon diminished.
The Queen sent word that she was ill and wouldn’t come.
Then the Golden Side Consort also said she had twisted her foot and wouldn’t come.
Consort Baoxiang understood perfectly and snorted coldly.
They simply couldn’t bear to see her in the spotlight.
The other lower-ranking consorts and female officials all came. The Great King didn’t favor women, and the rear palace was sparse. In recent years, aside from the customary visits to the Queen’s quarters on the first and fifteenth of each month and occasional visits to the Golden Side Consort’s place, he didn’t set foot in any other quarters. Now with this rare opportunity to see the Great King, none of the consorts wanted to miss it. For a time, the banquet set in the courtyard’s warm pavilion was filled with fragrant breezes and tinkling ornaments. On the white jade corridor, hanging lamps with red tassels cast reflections in the clear lake’s blue water. Under the eaves, glazed revolving lanterns spun out patches of brilliant light and shadow. In the light and shadow, faces were charming and beautiful, with kingfisher feather ornaments and flowing rouge.
The scene of a princely household was magnificently wealthy, with no sight of white bones beneath the snow.
Soon the Great King arrived as well. Consort Baoxiang led everyone in graceful prostration, calling out sweetly to the Great King.
Prince Da’an had grown much thinner. Though the recent weather had been relatively warm, and in previous years he would have changed to unlined robes by this time, he was still wrapped in a thick cloak. He looked down at Consort Baoxiang with an expressionless face, raising his hand perfunctorily: “All of you, rise.”
Consort Baoxiang stood up. Prince Da’an stared at her for a long moment – she was dressed unusually magnificently today, her beauty fresh and bright, not inferior to those younger consorts. Light sparkled in her eyes. He was very familiar with that kind of gaze – it was the unique look of those who were clearly lacking in ability yet naturally proud at heart, forcibly maintaining a compelling sharpness and unyielding pride, while their dark pupils secretly hid unease and bewilderment.
His gaze swept over the obviously newly-made palace attire, and he chuckled once, walking past her side.
Quite interested in dressing up, it seemed.
Consort Baoxiang felt her heart grow uneasy at his laughter, standing in place not daring to move. Prince Da’an sat in the head position and casually pointed to his side: “Sit.”
Consort Baoxiang’s eyes lit up.
That was the Queen’s usual position!
Everyone’s gazes shot over, each complex in their own way. Consort Baoxiang suppressed the wild joy in her heart and gracefully went over to sit straight-backed beside the Great King.
Sitting in this position, she finally felt how excellent the view was from here – all the people below and their various expressions were visible to her, everyone available for her to look down upon.
This feeling was truly wonderful.
She moved closer to the Great King, the corners of her mouth lifting even higher.
The position to the Great King’s right was still empty, and everyone’s gazes fell there. That was the position second only to Consort Baoxiang – whom did the Great King intend to seat there?
Consort Baoxiang sat beside the Great King, feeling she had become the hostess. She raised her cup to toast Prince Da’an: “Great King…”
Prince Da’an raised his hand: “Someone hasn’t arrived yet.”
Everyone was startled.
They really were waiting for that person.
Who was worthy of making the Great King wait with an empty seat?
Everyone’s hearts began pounding as they looked at each other.
Those qualified to sit in that position were all here today.
No, strictly speaking, none of them were qualified to sit in that position. If the Queen and Golden Side Consort weren’t present, and the Great King and Consort Baoxiang occupied the parental seats of honor, then that position should belong to the heir apparent.
Consort Baoxiang also realized this. Disliking how everyone’s attention had been diverted, she quickly smiled: “Who is being so impolite, arriving so late? Shall I send someone to urge them?”
Prince Da’an didn’t answer. After a long moment he said: “With a full gathering of princes and princesses, do you miss Eighteen?”
He asked in a low voice that only Consort Baoxiang could hear. She was startled, then said: “Isn’t Eighteen ill? When he recovers, I’ll have him return to pay respects to the Great King.”
Murong Yi had always put out word that he had contracted a serious illness and was recuperating at a villa outside the city. Consort Baoxiang had never gone to see him – compared to those terrifying rumors, she’d rather it be true that Murong Yi was really sick.
Prince Da’an said indifferently: “What illness? Do you as his mother truly not know or are you pretending not to know? He’s been wandering outside all along, harming Second Brother, killing Fourth and Eleventh Brothers, then assassinating First Brother who was inspecting the borders. After being captured by this king, he killed the five this king brought along, and also attempted to assassinate this king, more than once.”
“Clang!” came a sound.
Consort Baoxiang had knocked over the wine cup in her hand.
Her face turned deathly pale. She forgot about the overturned cup and her soaked sleeves, only trembling as she gripped Prince Da’an’s sleeve tightly: “Great King… you… you’re not joking with me…”
Prince Da’an didn’t answer, gently pushing her hand away.
Consort Baoxiang looked at his expression and her heart went completely cold.
After all, he was her pillow companion – she understood him fairly well. Looking at this expression and attitude, this matter was real.
As if ice and snow had suddenly filled her chest, her previous smugness and satisfaction were instantly frozen. Consort Baoxiang’s body went limp and she collapsed: “Unfilial son… unfilial son…”
Tears streamed down her face with a splash, ruining her carefully applied makeup.
The people below vaguely heard what they were saying and looked around with surprise and uncertainty.
“What a fine son you’ve raised,” Prince Da’an said in a calm tone.
Consort Baoxiang gave a low gasp and crawled forward on her knees, grabbing the hem of Prince Da’an’s robes: “Great King… Great King… I didn’t know about this, I truly didn’t know! I am utterly loyal to the Great King and have always taught Murong Yi to be loyal to his sovereign and love his country, to love his brothers. I never imagined he would be so vicious and rebellious, committing such acts that anger both heaven and man…”
“Vicious and rebellious, angering heaven and man…” Prince Da’an smiled: “It seems you’re quite angry too.”
“Yes, Murong Yi has failed the Great King’s teachings and my motherly care. This child has the heart of a wolf – he must have been led astray by someone outside… I am utterly disgusted and hateful toward his actions and will absolutely not tolerate them!”
“Absolutely will not tolerate them.” Prince Da’an hummed in agreement: “If he were standing before you right now, what would you do?”
“Naturally I would personally kill this beast to avenge the Great King! How can our Murong clan of heroes tolerate such wolves and tigers!”
Prince Da’an chuckled again: “Good. You may rise.”
Everyone exchanged meaningful glances again.
It seemed the matter of Murong Yi’s fratricide and rebellion was true.
Consort Baoxiang was helped to her feet, wiping her tears as she sat properly to one side. Prince Da’an no longer looked at her, turning his gaze toward the corridor: “Our honored guest has arrived.”
Everyone turned to look and saw a figure appear at the far end of the corridor connecting to the warm pavilion.
From a distance they couldn’t make out the features clearly, only sensing a tall, graceful figure with extremely beautiful bearing in movement.
Consort Baoxiang had a moment of confusion.
This silhouette looked somewhat like Eighteen…
Just seemed a bit thinner…
She immediately scoffed at the thought. Having committed such heinous crimes, how could Eighteen still be the “honored guest” the Great King spoke of?
Remembering what the Great King had just said, she felt a flutter of panic and unconsciously twisted her sleeves tighter, turning to look back.
That person walked leisurely forward under everyone’s gaze. Prince Da’an took a sip of wine and said calmly: “Come meet your future master.”
These words stirred up tremendous waves like a stone thrown into still water. Everyone whipped their heads around to stare at Prince Da’an.
What did he mean?
What did the Great King mean!
Was he referring to the heir?
But all the children were here – those not here were dead. Where did this heir come from!
Eunuch Chang, bent over as he poured wine for the Great King, had slight twitches at his temples.
He knew who it was.
Inconceivable, yet reasonable.
He glanced at Consort Baoxiang’s bewildered and anxious expression, remembering this woman’s arrogant behavior when she had gained favor earlier, and his lips curled slightly.
The figure gradually approached.
Adorned like pearls, carved like fine jade. A face like fairy or demon, a smile like god or ghost.
Everyone gasped in amazement. Someone knocked over their wine cup, someone stepped on another’s robes. Consort Baoxiang shot to her feet, nearly overturning Prince Da’an’s table.
She said frantically: “How… how… how can this be…”
She didn’t know if she felt surprise, joy, panic or confusion – looking closely, there seemed to be more surprise.
Prince Da’an said: “What? Can’t recognize your own son?”
Murong Yi stopped at the entrance to the warm pavilion, slightly raising an eyebrow as he glanced at Consort Baoxiang.
Prince Da’an said blandly: “I sent word to the villa that you would indeed come.”
Murong Yi smiled: “Such a rare family banquet with everyone gathered so completely – how could it proceed without me?”
The gathering was sparse, no longer resembling the grand scene of eighteen sons from years past. His words now sounded more like mockery, yet both father and son remained calm. Prince Da’an actually nodded: “Fully recovered?”
Murong Yi said: “Never been better.”
Prince Da’an lowered his head to drink tea, then said: “Then sit.”
Though there were empty seats below as well as beside him, Murong Yi didn’t even glance at the lower seats, walking directly toward the head of the table and calmly sitting down at Prince Da’an’s right side.
As he passed by those princes, they instinctively turned away and lowered their heads, not daring even to look at him directly.
After he sat down, Eunuch Chang clapped his hands. Only then did the palace maids begin serving dishes like threading flowers, and the palace music ensemble began playing – completely the treatment accorded to an heir.
Even more honored than heir apparent treatment.
Watching this scene, everyone felt ready to faint again.
Several princes’ eyes darted about wildly, exchanging content they all understood.
They had always considered themselves unqualified for the throne and never thought much about it, but with princes dying one after another and the perpetrator reportedly being little Eighteen, suddenly all the decent heirs were gone. They inevitably developed some thoughts. Today’s family banquet had each of them quite excited, thinking to perform well – who knew?
Who would have expected Murong Yi to suddenly appear, seemingly having no issues with the Great King at all? The Great King’s tone made it sound as if Murong Yi truly had been recuperating at the villa all along.
But just now everyone had clearly heard the Great King’s private conversation with Consort Baoxiang, and Consort Baoxiang’s terror as her arrogance completely disappeared.
What was going on?
Murong Yi didn’t care about the undercurrents below. After sitting down, he smiled at Consort Baoxiang: “Mother Consort, it’s been a long time.”
Consort Baoxiang stared at him, then looked at Prince Da’an, her expression full of surprise and uncertainty.
Prince Da’an personally poured a cup of wine and handed it to Consort Baoxiang: “A reward for bearing such a fine son. Nearly twenty years of hardship – not easy.”
He had never spoken such tender words to Consort Baoxiang before. She felt both joy and astonishment, combined with the shock Murong Yi brought her at this moment. Her emotions were in chaos, and the hand holding the cup was trembling.
Some wine splashed out, falling onto the thick rug.
Consort Baoxiang didn’t notice, but Murong Yi looked down at it.
Storms suddenly gathered in his eyes, howling and growing cold, but this tempestuous emotion passed in an instant. He then raised his head with an indifferent expression.
Prince Da’an calmly gestured for Consort Baoxiang to drink.
Somehow, Consort Baoxiang suddenly felt a flutter of panic. She felt the Great King’s expression was somewhat strange at this moment. A woman’s strong intuition made her uneasy as she stared at the wine cup, hesitating to move.
A hand suddenly reached over and took the cup. Murong Yi said indifferently: “Your son has never received wine bestowed by Father King and is quite envious. Mother Consort, please take pity and grant this cup to your son.”
Without looking at either of them, he drained it in one gulp.
Consort Baoxiang breathed a sigh of relief without knowing why.
Prince Da’an stared at Murong Yi and suddenly smiled – that smile actually contained a hint of malice.
Murong Yi toyed with the exquisite wine cup and smiled: “I was ill at the villa for quite some time and missed Mother Consort greatly.”
Consort Baoxiang’s face flushed red. When Murong Yi had “contracted a serious illness,” she had thought of visiting him, but when she spoke to the Queen about it, the Queen only assigned her third-class carriages and horses, didn’t allow her to bring many attendants, and said that after seeing someone with a serious illness, she temporarily couldn’t return to the palace but would have to reside outside for ten days before coming back. First, she felt such an exit from the palace was undignified, and second, she feared not being able to return to the palace – what if she missed the Great King’s summons? So she had let it go.
Now with Murong Yi asking about it so directly, she couldn’t help feeling embarrassed. Just as she was about to explain, she heard Prince Da’an say casually: “Better not to have seen each other. This mother consort of yours just said she wanted to sever all ties with you and personally kill you.”