Chapter 95: Staging a Confrontation to Force a Concubine

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The resentment burning in Qi Rong’s heart, like a raging fire, had tormented her for a long time. Even now, sitting with her former close friend made Qi Rong feel uncomfortable.

 

Previously, she had sat and stood as an equal with others, but after marriage, the gap between them began to widen. Qi Rong, Zhao Lanhui, and Princess Baoyu were the leading noblewomen of the capital. Their every move set the trend among the city’s young ladies. They formed a small, exclusive circle that others could only admire from afar. But now, Qi Rong sensed a growing crisis—while her friends remained in this elite circle, she was being pushed out.

 

Princess Baoyu, as a royal princess, could marry anyone without much consequence, and Zhao Lanhui had become a princess consort. Listening to Zhao Lanhui’s complaints now sounded like bragging to Qi Rong.

 

Qi Rong had been groomed to become a royal consort her entire life, a role she took pride in. But when the crown prince’s unexpected engagement was announced, the Marquis of Zhenbei’s household, while caught off guard, managed to keep their composure. Old Madam Qi had been vying for a marriage alliance with one of the other two princes, but seeing Zhao Lanhui’s marriage to Prince Su and the signs that Prince Lu’s match had already been arranged, they finally gave up. Now, they had started making plans to find Qi Rong a match outside the royal family.

 

But Qi Rong had grown up in the palace, with two of her aunts serving as empresses, and the crown prince and the third prince were her cousins. She had grown accustomed to royal grandeur and could not fathom marrying a common official. Even if that official had a bright future and a promising career, so what? In the end, he would still serve the royal family. As for high-ranking families with noble pedigrees, that was laughable. How could their status ever compare to that of the imperial family?

 

Qi Rong was deeply resentful. She was as beautiful as her aunt, the Empress, and if her aunts could become empresses, why should she marry a commoner? Even if Princess Baoyu was a royal by birth, Zhao Lanhui had become a princess consort. Why should Qi Rong have to marry a common man, and then bow to her friends when she saw them later?

 

Qi Rong could not bear such disparity. While Zhao Lanhui complained about her difficulties, Qi Rong quietly listened but inwardly sneered. Zhao Lanhui’s grumbling only seemed like gloating to her.

 

In truth, Qi Rong still harbored feelings for the crown prince. With two empresses from the Marquis of Zhenbei’s family, she had practically grown up in the palace. Compared to princesses, her life lacked nothing. She was part of the royal family’s inner circle, growing up alongside the princes as a companion. From a young age, Qin Yi had always been the most brilliant, the most dazzling among them all. But Qin Yi seldom involved himself with their group; he never seemed interested. Even so, those around him closely followed his every move, admiring him from afar.

 

At the training grounds for horsemanship and archery, Qin Yi’s natural athletic ability shone through. He could grasp instructions in a single demonstration and immediately excelled, standing out above everyone else. In academic pursuits, Qin Yi easily retained knowledge, never having to put in much effort to consistently stay ahead. Qi Rong and the others didn’t dare approach him, but secretly, everyone longed for the crown prince. However, as Qin Yi gradually distanced himself from their circle, they saw him less and less. Eventually, he was taken out for private teaching, and later, he became the crown prince.

 

Qi Rong and the others no longer had access to him. Yet, news about Qin Yi was never in short supply. They frequently overheard their elders praising the crown prince. When Qin Yi was exiled to the borderlands at sixteen for offending the Empress, Qi Rong even shed tears in private. But she never truly worried, because she believed Qin Yi would return.

 

And he did—just not before an imperial marriage decree arrived first.

 

The title of crown princess, which Qi Rong had long hoped for, suddenly belonged to someone else without any warning. Initially, she tried to console herself, thinking that being the crown princess was a thankless role, but when she saw Qin Yi treating another woman so well—so well it surpassed everyone’s expectations—Qi Rong couldn’t suppress her frustration.

 

Had she known this earlier, she would never have let such an opportunity slip by.

 

Zhao Lanhui continued pouring out her troubles, but when she noticed Qi Rong’s silence, she asked, puzzled, “Qi Rong, what’s on your mind?”

 

Qi Rong snapped out of her thoughts. “Oh, nothing. By the way, are you really going to follow Prince Su to his fief?”

 

At the mention of this, Zhao Lanhui sighed. “Yes. I have no idea what life will be like in Qingyang. I’ve never left the capital before, and my mother and family are all here. I really don’t want to go.”

 

Qi Rong could completely understand. If she were in Zhao Lanhui’s position, she wouldn’t want to leave either. But her question hadn’t been out of sympathy for her friend, who was about to leave her home. Her aim was elsewhere. “If Prince Su is leaving, then after the new year, Prince Lu will have to go to Luoyang, won’t he?”

 

“Most likely,” Zhao Lanhui said with a sigh. “The Emperor relies heavily on the crown prince, and the Eastern Palace is rock solid. The crown prince is no pushover; who would dare stay behind?”

 

Qi Rong nodded thoughtfully. If that were the case, within a few years, the crown prince would surely ascend the throne. When that happened, his wives and concubines would also rise in status. She had heard that when a new emperor takes the throne, even concubines from his former residence, regardless of their origins, are often granted titles as consorts. It was common for daughters of official families to be elevated to imperial consorts. This was why officials shamelessly offered their daughters to princes and royal family members. A concubine in the imperial family was hardly just a concubine—becoming a consort in the palace could elevate an entire family.

 

It was better to be a royal concubine than the wife of a commoner. Qi Rong’s determination grew stronger. Beneath her exquisite sleeves, her hands clenched tighter and tighter, her red nails digging into her palms.

 

. . .

 

The summer day was quiet, with only the sound of cicadas in the air.

 

In the servant quarters of the Qide Hall, Erhua sat idly sewing. Erfeng lifted the curtain and entered, glancing at the embroidery in her hands and teasing, “Oh, are you dreaming of love, embroidering double lotuses now?”

 

The double lotus was a famous symbol of conjugal bliss, and in the Eastern Palace, only the crown princess was entitled to use it.

 

Qide Hall was the residence of the crown prince and crown princess during their stay in the summer palace. Hearing Erfeng’s words, Erhua angrily tossed her work aside and cursed, “Who are you calling lovestruck? If you don’t shut up, no one will think you’re mute!”

 

“Why are you showing off in front of me?” Erfeng sneered, looking down at her. “If you have the nerve, go give Erxue that attitude. She’s a favorite of the crown princess now, heavily relied upon. You wouldn’t dare offend her, so you come here to throw your weight around with me.”

 

Erhua was even more irritated. The four of them had all been sent to the Eastern Palace to become the crown prince’s concubines, each chosen for their exceptional beauty. Yet six months had passed, and they hadn’t even touched the hem of the crown prince’s robe. All of them remained untouched, still virgins.

 

Erhua watched the crown prince coming and going from the Eastern Palace daily, and she was utterly smitten. The crown prince was not only noble, but young and handsome, tall and elegant. Even the highborn young ladies who caught glimpses of him blushed and turned away. What woman wouldn’t want a man like him? Erhua herself, labeled as the crown prince’s concubine but left untouched, had become a joke. Seething, she said, “Don’t mention that traitor Erxue to me. She was smart, abandoning us early to curry favor with the crown princess. Now, instead of helping her sisters, she even suppresses us.”

 

Erfeng didn’t respond, only watching Erhua. Then she said, “If you’re so dissatisfied, you could go yourself. Everyone knows the crown princess holds great sway over the crown prince. A word from her is worth more than a thousand from anyone else.”

 

Erhua was well aware that many people in the palace were doing everything they could to win the crown princess’s favor. But even though she understood this, she couldn’t bring herself to grovel. She was a beauty, after all, not inferior to the crown princess.

 

Seeing Erhua’s silent fuming, Erfeng added casually, “The crown princess is fortunate, winning the crown prince’s favor. That’s how she ended up where she is today. But it’s a pity for us, isn’t it? We share the crown prince’s household, but without his favor, we’re treated like dirt. Even if we had a tenth of the crown princess’s favor, we could secure a place in the palace.”

 

Erhua clenched her handkerchief and sat silently for a while before angrily retorting, “It’s not because we lack beauty. If the crown princess weren’t so jealous, preventing anyone from getting close to the crown prince, we wouldn’t be left behind.”

 

Women, like men, had their own sense of conquest. Erfeng chuckled. “You’re ambitious, I’ll give you that. But aren’t you afraid I’ll report this to the crown princess?”

 

“It’s true, so why shouldn’t I say it?”

 

“Well then, since you’re so bold, let me tell you something.” Erfeng motioned for Erhua to come closer and whispered, “I just came back from outside and saw the crown prince sitting alone by the lotus pond behind Qinghe Palace. He only had a few eunuchs with him, and no one from the crown princess’s side was around.”

 

Erhua’s eyes widened in surprise. Erfeng pushed her lightly on the forehead, chiding her, “If you really want to act, now’s your chance. The crown princess is busy settling the palace boxes and will later be meeting with noblewomen who’ve come to pay their respects. She won’t be free for a while. If you manage to catch the crown prince’s attention now, your life will completely change! You know the crown prince runs the Eastern Palace—once he accepts you, the crown princess will have to give you a proper title, no matter how jealous she is. Even if you can’t compare to the crown princess, as long as the crown prince gives you a fraction of the attention he gives her, who in the palace would dare look down on you?”

 

Upon hearing this, Erhua’s heart began to race uncontrollably. She was so nervous she even stammered, “But… the crown prince is so far above us, so dignified and aloof… how could I…”

 

“You idiot!” Erfeng scolded, frustrated, poking her in the forehead. “Before we were sent to the Eastern Palace, didn’t the momos in Kunning Palace teach you how to behave? No matter how high and mighty the crown prince is, he’s still a man. Just use some perfume on your collar, wear something a little more revealing, and things will fall into place.”

 

This was a wake-up call for Erhua. Overjoyed, she immediately began to prepare. Erfeng, seeing this, decided to help her all the way, assisting her in getting ready and applying the special perfume. Then, after ensuring everything was in order, she covertly escorted Erhua out.

 

Erfeng watched as Erhua disappeared from view, and once she was sure she was out of sight, she smirked. Calmly cleaning up her tracks, she then slipped out of Qide Hall and quietly met someone outside. “Please pass along the message to Miss Qi that the person has been sent.”

 

Qi Rong received the maid’s report with great satisfaction. The scapegoat had been prepared; now it was time for her to make her move.

 

. . .

 

The corridors of the summer palace were long and winding, and just as the vast lotus pond came into view, Qin Yi suddenly halted.

 

The messenger was startled. “Your Highness?”

 

“You said the crown princess was here?”

 

“Yes,” the eunuch replied cautiously. “The crown princess came to tour the palace and, upon seeing the vast stretch of lotus flowers, thought it was a spectacular sight. She sent me to ask if Your Highness would join her.”

 

Qin Yi glanced ahead at the sea of lotus flowers. His eyes seemed to smile, but it was so brief the eunuch couldn’t be sure if he’d seen it or not. Then Qin Yi said, “Very well, lead the way.”

 

The lush green lotus leaves spread out, forming an almost unbroken expanse of green, dotted here and there with vibrant red and white flowers. In the middle of this scene stood a small, elegant pavilion, its bamboo curtains swaying gently in the breeze, tassels softly dancing. It was the perfect setting for enjoying a moment of quiet beauty.

 

When Qin Yi reached the stone bridge leading to the pavilion, the messenger quickly retreated, not daring to disturb the crown prince and crown princess. Xiao Linzi, one of Qin Yi’s attendants, sensed something amiss and was about to follow, but Qin Yi stopped him with a wave of his hand. “Wait here.”

 

Xiao Linzi thought this order was directed at the messenger, who also assumed so. Both of them respectfully withdrew. Qin Yi walked alone to the pavilion and lifted the bamboo curtain.

 

Inside the pavilion sat a graceful beauty, brewing tea. The scene, with the beautiful woman and the serene act of tea-making amidst such a picturesque backdrop, was almost too perfect, like something out of a painting.

 

Qi Rong had been waiting anxiously for a long time. She had carefully chosen her attire, spent hours grooming herself, and when she gazed into the mirror earlier, she had felt confident in her beauty. In such a refined and elegant setting, catching a glimpse of such a beautiful, serene young woman—how could any man’s heart not be moved?

 

When Qi Rong heard the sound of footsteps behind her, she knew Qin Yi had arrived. Her heart fluttered with both shyness and joy, but she waited a long time without sensing any further movement.

 

Puzzled, she turned around to see Qin Yi standing leisurely at the entrance to the pavilion, his gaze full of disdain. “What are you doing here?”

 

Her carefully crafted pose failed to capture the attention she had hoped for. Startled, Qi Rong rose slowly, her head bowed, her voice soft as she smiled, “Cousin.”

 

This word, uttered softly and sweetly, was laden with affection, and although she didn’t say much, it carried all the weight of a girl’s deepest feelings. Any man who heard it would feel his heart melt. Qi Rong deliberately lowered her head, ensuring she presented her most beautiful, most gentle side profile to Qin Yi. But all her efforts were in vain. Before she could adjust her position further, Qin Yi’s cold voice interrupted.

 

“Call me ‘Your Highness.’”

 

“What?” Qi Rong stammered, startled. “Cousin…”

 

“Didn’t you hear me?”

 

Qi Rong had no choice but to lower her head again, her voice barely audible. “Yes, Your Highness.”

 

Qi Rong inwardly cursed Qin Yi for being so unromantic, completely incapable of understanding her charm. However, she remembered her goal today and decided not to dwell on it. She gently adjusted her sleeve, revealing a glimpse of her delicate wrist as she softly said, “Cousin, I’ve just learned how to brew tea. Would you like to try some?”

 

Qin Yi took the tea cup, twirled it in his hand, but didn’t drink. Instead, he looked at Qi Rong and said, “You forged a message from the crown princess. What punishment do you think you deserve?”

 

“Cousin!” Qi Rong pouted, her voice turning coquettish. “We grew up together as childhood friends. Now that we’re grown, we’re more distant than we were as children.”

 

“Childhood friends?” Qin Yi’s expression didn’t change, his voice as cold as ever. “I don’t recall such a thing.”

 

Flustered by his rejection, Qi Rong decided to throw caution to the wind. Gritting her teeth, she exclaimed, “Cousin, I’ve admired you since we were young!”

 

Qin Yi hadn’t expected this at all. He had wasted time trying to figure out what game she was playing, only to be met with this confession. Feeling utterly disgusted, he turned to leave, but Qi Rong, in a panic, rushed forward and grabbed his sleeve. “I know you’re already married, but a man can have multiple wives and concubines. I’m willing to serve alongside the crown princess! As long as she accepts me, I’ll never fight for favor or cause trouble. I just want to stay by your side, even if it means enduring hardship.”

 

Qin Yi let out a cold laugh, finding the whole thing absurd. “Hardship? Who do you think you are, that I would make the crown princess endure hardship for you? She’s your cousin-in-law, and yet you harbor such thoughts. Aren’t you ashamed?”

 

Qi Rong’s eyes welled up with tears. “How can you say that? I’ve loved you for so long, and I don’t ask for a title, just the chance to serve you. Can’t you grant me this one wish?”

 

Qi Rong resembled her aunt, the empress, with her delicate features, and her tear-streaked face made her look all the more pitiful. With her beauty and heartfelt confession, she was certain no man could resist her. She saw Qin Yi’s robe move slightly and believed he was about to comfort her. Smiling through her tears, she lowered her head, waiting for him to approach.

 

But instead, she heard the sound of liquid pouring. Looking up, she saw Qin Yi tipping her freshly brewed tea into the incense burner, completely extinguishing the delicate smoke rising from it.

 

Stunned, Qi Rong’s face went pale. “Cousin…”

 

“You’re the daughter of the Marquis of Zhenbei. Out of respect for my mother, I’ve always shown your family face. And this is how you repay me, with such a lowly scheme?” Qin Yi’s voice was filled with disappointment and scorn as he looked at her.

 

How ignorant could one be, to think such a base trick would work on him? Qi Rong had laced the incense with an aphrodisiac, a trick often used in intimate settings by high-ranking families. But she had dared to use it on him.

 

Looking at Qi Rong, Qin Yi felt nothing but contempt. “I don’t know whether to call you bold or foolish. I should bring your father here to see what kind of daughter he’s raised.”

 

Terrified, Qi Rong stepped back. She wasn’t afraid that Qin Yi would call for her father—he was the son of her aunt, the empress, and he wouldn’t make a public scene. What truly frightened her was the look in his eyes. That cold, emotionless gaze.

 

Raised in a life of luxury, Qi Rong had never been so belittled. Overcome with rage, she lunged forward, grabbing Qin Yi’s sleeve once more. “Why? I’ve loved you with all my heart. Why won’t you accept me?”

 

Annoyed that Qi Rong wouldn’t back down, Qin Yi’s patience snapped. “Let go.”

 

“No! Why won’t you accept me? We grew up together. You must have feelings for me! It must be the crown princess—it’s her fault, she’s poisoned your mind. Cousin, you’re the crown prince. How can you let her manipulate you? A woman should be virtuous and accommodating. As the crown princess, she should set an example for others, not be so jealous. How can you tolerate her?”

 

“Enough!” Qin Yi’s fury erupted, his dark eyes seeming to contain a vortex that could swallow the world. Just one look from him sent a shiver down her spine. “What right do you have to even mention her name? You don’t deserve it.”

 

Terrified by the intensity of his gaze, Qi Rong staggered back, her hands slipping from his sleeve. As she stood there, stunned, she realized with horror that Qin Yi was genuinely repulsed by her.

 

“Why?” she cried, her voice breaking. “Why is she good enough for you, but I’m not?”

 

Qin Yi found the question laughable. With a flick of his wrist, he shook off her grip and turned to leave the pavilion. Just as he was about to lift the bamboo curtain, he heard the sound of approaching footsteps from outside. Judging by the number, it was more than one person.

 

His expression darkened as he glanced back at Qi Rong, who was furiously wiping away her tears and glaring at him with a triumphant look.