133. The Deal (1)

The starry sky tonight is brilliant, and the moon is exceptionally beautiful. Combined with the bright lights throughout the imperial palace, walking along the palace path feels as bright as day.

I followed beside Jiang Xuan. He was likely returning to his palace, and I was headed to the Imperial Household Department; it was on our way.

"Why are you out today? Is everything well at Huayang Palace?" Jiang Xuan asked from ahead, his tone indifferent, his expression hidden from my view.

I replied, "Everything is well. As the Crown Princess is currently with child, I dare not be careless. Thus, for the past few days, aside from a few trips to the Imperial Academy of Medicine, I have not dared to venture out."

"You have been working hard."

"I am merely looking out for my own head." And, of course, honoring the entrustment of Han Feiyue and Long Zhan.

"Then why are you out today? Off to the Imperial Academy of Medicine again?"

I answered respectfully, "The Crown Princess has taken her medicine and is now resting, so I thought I would make a trip to the Imperial Household Department. Her Highness wishes to sew a few garments for the unborn imperial grandson."

"Hmm." The response was still faint, and nothing more was said.

Seeing that we were drawing closer to Cuiwei Palace, I knew that once we reached it, we would reach Jiang Xuan’s palace as well.

Jiang Xuan suddenly stopped, turned, and asked me, "You mentioned those snacks last time—are they still available? I am planning to head out of the palace in a few days. Is there anything you would like? I can bring some back for you."

I thought to myself that there was no harm in a free treat, and as I was feeling a bit peckish, I tilted my head and pondered for a moment. "I think chestnut cakes, water chestnut powder cakes, almond tea, steamed sugar cream, and sugar-coated rice cakes are quite delicious. And also, also..."

Just as I was about to continue, I saw Jiang Xuan’s face darken, as if he were stunned.

I laughed. "I spoke out of turn. I am just a bit hungry now."

"Hearing you talk about it, I find myself somewhat hungry as well."

This sudden voice startled me so much that I shuddered. Both Jiang Xuan and I turned around and knelt immediately.

"Greetings, Your Imperial Father."

"This servant pays respects to Your Majesty."

"Very well, rise. Did I startle you both by appearing suddenly behind you?"

Startled? We certainly were. Even the usually vigilant Jiang Xuan hadn't noticed him; it seemed we had been too engrossed in our talk of food.

"I was listening to the zither at Consort Jun's quarters. Afterwards, I thought I would visit Consort Tong at Cuiwei Palace, but I did not expect to run into you both on the way."

Jiang Xuan and I remained silent.

"I am feeling hungry as well. Shall I join you for a bit of madness?"

I was puzzled.

The Emperor laughed aloud. "How about the three of us leave the palace? I shall go and taste those things you just mentioned, shall I? It has been some time since I left the palace, and I do not know what my people are doing at this hour."

Qiu Ronghai hurried forward, bowing. "Your Majesty, it is most inappropriate to go out at this hour. If Your Majesty truly wishes to go, let this old servant summon Commander Long."

The Emperor waved a hand. "No need. Just the three of us. You are not to follow, either."

"Your Majesty, this old servant..."

"You need not worry about me. I have not yet reached the point where I cannot move, and besides, my Xuan’er is the one who took first place at the Grand Archery Ceremony. Having little Xiao here to serve is enough."

"Your Majesty..."

"My mind is made up. If you speak again, it will be considered defiance of an imperial decree. Furthermore, regarding my departure tonight, not a word is to be whispered—especially not to the Empress or the Empress Dowager."

"As you command!"

When the Emperor is in high spirits, who can stop him? And so, the three of us changed into common clothes, and with me driving the carriage, we left the imperial palace.

***

I do not know if today is a special day, or if the nights in the capital are always this lively. In any case, when we stepped onto the main street, we saw men and women jostling shoulder to shoulder, a truly bustling sight.

I could smell the wafting aromas and said joyfully, "Your Majesty, Ninth Prince, I can even smell the sugar-coated rice cakes!"

In my childhood, these were the things I craved most. I remember when Xiao Ruo happily came to find me, saying her aunt had brought them for her to eat. She gave me a piece, and I had only bitten into it once, preparing for the second bite, when her aunt slapped me across the face. The sugar-coated rice cake fell to the ground. The aunt scolded me, saying I hadn't finished washing the clothes and shouldn't be idling about.

After Xiao Ruo pleaded for me and left with her aunt, I picked up the dirt-covered rice cake, wiped it clean, and ate it anyway. Things you cannot have always taste better.

"Your nose is sharp indeed. Go, buy some for me to taste."

"As you command, I will go at once."

I ran over, bought three portions, and when I returned, I gave one to the Emperor, one to Jiang Xuan, and kept one for myself.

The Emperor’s gaze fell upon the extra portion, and I quickly explained, "I was worried that Your Majesty and the Ninth Prince might not have your fill, so I bought an extra portion."

The Emperor laughed. "That portion is my reward to you. You were quite greedy for it back in the palace, weren't you?"

I stopped being coy, as I truly enjoyed them, and replied happily, "This servant thanks Your Majesty."

The Emperor said, "Now that we are outside the palace, call me 'Master' and Xuan'er 'Young Master'."

"Yes, Master."

The Emperor took a few bites and couldn't help but praise it. "Though this looks unremarkable and lacks the refinement of the imperial kitchen's masters, and is quite inexpensive, it tastes wonderful. I don't believe I have ever eaten anything so delicious. Little Xiao, you have earned merit."

As I chewed, I said, "Thank you for the praise, Master. Young Master, is it to your liking?"

Jiang Xuan glanced at me faintly and replied, "Hmm."

"Let us walk on and see more. Seeing such a prosperous scene, I feel deeply gratified."

Under the Emperor's feet, how could it be desolate?

The Emperor walked in the front, Jiang Xuan behind him, and I to the side. The Emperor suddenly asked, "Little Xiao, how is Feiyue doing?"

I quickly replied, "The young lady is doing well. Recent check-ups show the pregnancy is stable. She took her medicine today and fell asleep early."

"Good. You have served her well. I shall remember this merit."

"I dare not claim credit."

"Has Yun'er gone to visit?"

I said, "The Third Young Master visits often."

"Hmph, do not lie for him. He is not a diligent person."

I gave a sheepish smile.

We ate quite a few things along the way, and the Emperor seemed to be in excellent spirits.

As we continued forward, we passed a small alley and saw a few people whispering furtively. Ordinarily, we wouldn't have paid any mind, but as we passed, we heard a woman crying.

The Emperor seemed intent on intervening, so he signaled us to stay quiet and listen to what was happening.

One man said, "I can only give you five thousand taels. You know the market—it’s not worth that much. If you don't agree, I can find someone else to buy."

The man paused, looked at the tearful girl beside him, and said coldly, "Young Master Lian, even an ordinary brothel girl is worth more than this."

He lowered his voice for the latter half, but we heard him clearly.

"Besides, she is a virgin. More importantly, she is just the type you like, isn't she? Look at this complexion, this figure—how could she not be worth ten thousand taels?"

"I didn't bring that much silver with me today. To tell you the truth, I do find this girl acceptable. But ten thousand taels is indeed too much."

"Young Master Lian, you are a straightforward man. Ten thousand is the absolute bottom price. Your Lian estate is not far from here; why don't I accompany you there?"

The man snapped, "If you dare show your face near the Lian estate, I’ll skin you alive. Fine, fine, ten thousand it is. I won't waste any more breath on you."

The man reached into his clothes, seemingly to produce the silver notes.

The situation was clear: this was a human trafficking deal.

Before I could process this, the Emperor, unable to restrain himself, rushed forward. After all, he was the Emperor; how could he endure such a thing happening under his very eyes?

Jiang Xuan and I hurried to follow. The Emperor could not suffer any harm, or Jiang Xuan and I would be in grave trouble.

The Emperor rushed up and seized the hand of the man about to hand over the silver.

The man turned his face, and in the moonlight, I saw clearly who it was. No wonder the voice had sounded familiar.

It was Lian Fei, whom I had encountered in the palace.

Because it had been a fleeting meeting, I hadn't recognized him immediately.

Lian Fei only held a minor position thanks to Lian Qi. Being able to enter the palace was a great favor, but he had no chance to see the Emperor. Now, as he turned to look at the Emperor, he was surely ready to exert the authority of a Minister of Rites' son.

"Let go!"

"And if I do not?"

"Do you know who I am?"

"I do not care who you are. Under the feet of the Emperor, you dare engage in such dealings? Do you have any regard for the law?"

Lian Fei's wrist was bruised by the Emperor's grip, yet he looked furious. "You have truly grown a tiger's heart and a leopard's gall. Are you tired of living?"

The man selling the girl was equally arrogant. "Don't meddle in other people's business. If you keep this up, you'll be the ones to suffer. Release Young Master Lian. Do you know who he is? He is an official!"

"Is that so? The imperial court has such officials?" The Emperor scoffed.

"You have eyes but fail to recognize your grandfather!"

"Insolence!" Jiang Xuan barked.

"Fart!" Lian Fei spat. "Do you know that as long as I, Lian Fei, shout in this capital, countless people will come running?"

The Emperor flung Lian Fei's hand aside. "Shall we make a wager?"

"What wager?"

"Let us see who can summon more people. If you lose, this girl goes free, and you walk into the prison yourself. If I lose, you take the girl, and I will pay the ten thousand taels for you."

Lian Fei sneered, sizing up the Emperor. "Is there such a good deal in this world?"

The man beside him urged, "Young Master Lian, take the bet! He looks like he might be wealthy, but don't you have Lord Lian? He is the Minister of Rites. In this capital, who doesn't give him face? Can this man be more powerful than the Minister of Rites?"

Encouraged by the man, Lian Fei grew emboldened. "You are right. Fine, I will bet with you."

"We shall have one stick of incense's time. Let's see who can summon more people. I will have my servant go call for help. And you?"

"I only need to have him deliver a letter."

"Good, it is a deal!"