Chapter 31 – It’s my birthday
Zhao Qi returned to the Haiyan Hall, where a eunuch immediately brought warm water for him to wash his hands. Noticing that the eunuch holding the basin kept sneaking glances at him, Zhao Qi asked, “Is there something on my face?”
The young eunuch quickly lowered his eyes, “Your Majesty, your divine appearance and profound blessings are such that this servant can’t help but look a few more times to gain some fortune.”
Zhao Qi touched his chin in front of the mirror, “I do look quite divine, hahahaha, hic!”
After Zhao Qi finished washing his hands, the young eunuch withdrew with the water basin and then slipped out of Haiyan Hall when no one was looking.
Outside Mingcui Palace, a palace maid named Fu Die was pacing anxiously. When she saw the young eunuch approaching, she hurriedly greeted him like he was her savior, “Xiao Xiazi, you’re finally here!”
Xiao Xiazi whispered, “What’s going on? Why did the Emperor return to the palace unscathed?!”
Fu Die replied, “I don’t know either! My lord clearly followed your instructions and took the Chang Xiangsi that can make men pregnant, and then put the second dose into the cakes for the Emperor. But the Emperor showed no reaction. Instead, my lord fell ill upon returning, with a high fever that won’t subside, and…” She blushed, “He tried to do that with me. Luckily, I ran away quickly, or I would have been caught red-handed by the Emperor!”
Xiao Xiazi murmured, “This shouldn’t be happening…”
Fu Die said, “Whatever the case, my lord is still ill. What should we do—call the Imperial Physician?”
Xiao Xiazi exclaimed, “No way! If the Imperial Physician finds out, won’t it be obvious that the medicine was stolen by you?!”
Fu Die’s eyes welled up with tears, “Then what should we do?”
“What can we do,” Xiao Xiazi said impatiently, “Just endure it, it’ll pass.”
Fu Die sobbed, “We shouldn’t have taken such dubious medicine. Now we’re in trouble, let alone producing a dragon heir…”
Xiao Xiazi snapped, “Crying won’t solve anything! Go back and take care of your lord. I sneaked out; if I don’t return soon, it’ll arouse suspicion.”
Mingcui Palace was in turmoil all night, but it didn’t attract much attention. After all, Jiang Bao’er was just an unfavored male consort without a proper title. The entire palace was busy preparing for the Emperor’s longevity festival; who had the time to care about his life or death?
By April, the weather had completely warmed up. After lying in bed for half a month, Rong Tang’s health had visibly improved, and his face had regained some color. Although Zhao Qi didn’t visit him, he inquired about his condition daily. Upon learning that Rong Tang could now get out of bed and walk around, he ate half a bowl more of rice to celebrate.
The day before the longevity festival, the Ministry of Rites sent over a new court robe for Zhao Qi to try on, assisted by Jiang Dehai. The bright yellow dragon robe symbolized supreme nobility, with nine majestic dragons vividly embroidered. However, once Zhao Qi wore it, it only made his skin look paler without adding much effect.
Zhao Qi couldn’t help but sigh, “I still lack some imperial dignity. I think the Prime Minister’s official robe looks more imposing than my dragon robe. Maybe I should have the dragon robe made in black in the future.”
Jiang Dehai laughed, “Your Majesty, anyone can wear black, but only you can wear bright yellow.”
Zhao Qi casually remarked, “Only I can wear bright yellow, but many people can take it off.” Referring to Jiang Dehai and the other eunuchs who served him personally.
Jiang Dehai was taken aback, then responded, “Indeed, in the future, when the Emperor has three thousand beauties in the harem, it won’t be my turn to take off the dragon robe for you.”
Zhao Qi imagined returning from court to a beautiful, fair-skinned empress helping him out of his dragon robe—ah, the simple happiness of a man.
Soon, a palace maid named Jin Ning, who served Rong Tang, walked in. Zhao Qi was quite surprised to see her, “Is Rong Tang sick again?”
Jin Ning shook her head, “Your Majesty, the young master wishes to see you.”
After many days, Zhao Qi stepped into his bedchamber again. Yonghua Palace, the residence of the Emperor, had the best location and furnishings, second only to Cian Palace, making it ideal for recuperation.
Rong Tang, still dressed in snow-white robes, looked ethereal and otherworldly despite his thinner frame.
Zhao Qi looked at him, finding it hard to believe that this celestial-like figure was the same person who had been sick and vomiting blood before.
Rong Tang gazed at him quietly, eyes slightly lowered, and after a long while, he called out softly, “Your Majesty.”
Zhao Qi responded with a “hmm” and, searching for words, said, “You’ve lost weight.” He regretted it immediately. Of course, he had lost weight after being sick for so long.
Rong Tang said, “Your Majesty will turn nineteen tomorrow.”
“Yes,” Zhao Qi smiled, “I remember you are a year younger than me, so you are eighteen now.”
Rong Tang nodded slightly, “The birthday gift is on the table. Your Majesty can take it.”
Zhao Qi was stunned—Rong Tang had prepared a birthday gift for him? Really?
“Does Your Majesty not want it?”
Zhao Qi snapped back to reality, “Of course, I want it!” He quickly walked to the table and saw a long, rectangular box, “Is it a painting?”
Rong Tang nodded lightly.
Zhao Qi asked eagerly, “Did you paint it?”
Rong Tang averted his gaze, “Yes.”
As a talented scholar, Rong Tang was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Zhao Qi had seen his calligraphy but had never admired his paintings. He immediately wanted to open it, “What did you paint?”
Rong Tang said, “Your Majesty can look at it later.”
Zhao Qi stopped himself, smiling, “Alright.”
Zhao Qi was genuinely happy. He had thought Rong Tang wanted to argue with him but was pleasantly surprised that he spoke calmly and even gave him a gift. Although Zhao Qi still couldn’t guess Rong Tang’s thoughts or understand his change in attitude, he was content as long as Rong Tang could let go of past grudges and recover his health.
Holding the long box, Zhao Qi asked, “Do you want to attend the longevity festival banquet tomorrow? I’ve kept a seat for you.”
Rong Tang was silent for a moment, “Does Your Majesty want me to go?”
Zhao Qi replied without hesitation, “Yes.”
Rong Tang smiled faintly, “Alright.” After a pause, he added, “When will Your Majesty move back?”
“No rush,” Zhao Qi said, “We’ll talk about it when you’re fully recovered.”
Rong Tang looked at him, “Move back.”
Zhao Qi was puzzled, “Huh?”
“You said you would give me whatever I wanted.”
“I did say that. But…”
Rong Tang interrupted, “I don’t like you living in Haiyan Hall. Move back tomorrow.”
Zhao Qi didn’t understand Rong Tang’s insistence on this matter. But since he had been staying at Haiyan Hall for a while and Rong Tang was almost recovered, it made sense for him to move back to his own chamber.
“Alright.” Zhao Qi agreed readily, “Do you have anything else you want? Just say it, don’t be shy.”
Rong Tang said slowly, “No rush, there’s plenty of time.”
“Oh, then… I’ll take my leave?”
“Take care, Your Majesty.”
Holding the painting, Zhao Qi walked to the door, then turned back to Rong Tang and said, “Rong Tang, I’m really glad you could move on.”
Rong Tang remained silent. He indeed had moved on.
Whether out of guilt or strategy, as long as he could keep the person by his side, it was enough.
Back at Haiyan Hall, Zhao Qi opened Rong Tang’s gift—a painting of a blooming peach blossom, pink and white, radiant and charming, with a “Rong” character in the bottom right corner. Zhao Qi couldn’t find the words to praise it and simply said, “Awesome! Old Jiang, have this painting framed. I want to hang it on the wall!”
On the day of the longevity festival, Zhao Qi got up early. According to custom, he had to first pay respects to the Empress Dowager and then lead the royal family to the Ancestral Temple for a sacrificial ceremony.
When leaving Haiyan Hall, it was still dark. Zhao Qi glanced at the hall opposite, “Is the Prime Minister still asleep?”
Jiang Dehai replied, “Your Majesty, the Prime Minister returned to his residence last night. He will enter the palace with the civil and military officials today.”
At Cian Palace, Zhao Qi performed the grand ceremony for the Empress Dowager.
The son’s birthday is a mother’s day of suffering. With everything that had happened recently, the Empress Dowager felt deeply moved seeing Zhao Qi respectfully bowing to her. She personally helped him up, her fingers brushing over his lively eyebrows, and smiled, “Xier has really grown up.”
Zhao Qi sighed, “I wish I could grow a bit taller.” His height was really worrisome; even Jiang Bao’er was slightly taller than him.
The Empress Dowager laughed, “You’ve aged a year, but you still have a child’s heart. I must quickly find you an Empress. Once you have a prince, you’ll become more mature.”
Zhao Qi felt exasperated: Ah, here we go again.
The topic of the Empress and the prince accompanied Zhao Qi through breakfast. The royal family members within three degrees of kinship had been waiting at the front hall of the Ancestral Temple for some time. Leading them were Zhao Qi’s several uncles, and behind them was Zhao Qi’s only full brother. Zhao Tong was still the same as the last time Zhao Qi saw him—quiet, humble, and graceful, always wearing a gentle smile that endeared him to everyone.
Zhao Qi glanced at him a few more times, then turned and walked into the Ancestral Temple.
The sacrificial ceremony was lengthy and cumbersome, lasting several hours. Finally, it was over, and Zhao Qi had to summon the civil and military officials to issue a decree of general amnesty. It wasn’t until the evening banquet that he had a chance to eat something.
The banquet was held in the Wanshou Palace, where the royal family, civil and military officials celebrated together. The only person with a special status was Rong Tang, who sat with the civil officials. He wore his regular clothes, sitting alone at a table, expressionless.
The newly appointed top scholar was displeased, “Isn’t this person the emperor’s favorite? Even if he has to attend, he should be with the empress dowager and the rest of the harem. Why is he here with us?”
“The emperor must have his reasons for doing so,” the third-place scholar, Xu Qiu, said indifferently. “Speaking of which, Young Master Rong is exceptionally talented. I’ve admired him for many years. If I have the chance today, I definitely want to share a drink with him!”
Their conversation drifted into Rong Tang’s ears, but he remained unmoved. Someone approached him and asked, “May I sit here?”
Rong Tang looked up and met the person’s eyes. “Prince Huai, please go ahead.”
Sitting in the highest seat, Zhao Qi observed the scene and felt a bit unhappy. What was Prince Huai trying to do? Was he still trying to recruit Rong Tang even though Rong Tang had already expressed his unwillingness?
“Your Majesty,” Li Chisu walked forward with a wine cup in his hand, his peach blossom eyes filled with a smile, “I toast to Your Majesty’s long life and prosperity.”
In the presence of Empress Dowager Wen and others, Zhao Qi couldn’t refuse. He picked up his wine cup, gestured towards Li Chisu, and drank half of it.
After toasting, Li Chisu presented his gift, “Your Majesty, twenty years ago, my father and I hid a jar of peach blossom wine in the palace’s peach grove. I retrieved it during my last visit to the palace and now present it to Your Majesty.”
Zhao Qi found it odd. Others’ gifts were either priceless or extremely rare, but what was the significance of this aged wine?
Though Zhao Qi didn’t understand, the Empress Dowager and Xiao Shiqing, who sat beside him, understood clearly. “Twenty years ago, during the reign of Emperor Gaozu, I was just the crown princess and often saw Emperor Gaozu and the old Prince Zhaonan sparring and discussing ancient topics in the palace, closer than blood brothers,” Empress Dowager Wen explained.
Xiao Shiqing nodded, “Prince Zhaonan’s gift of this wine shows his sincerity.”
Hearing their words, Zhao Qi understood that Li Chisu was using this wine to remind them of the friendship between Emperor Gaozu and the old Prince Zhaonan.
“I am humbled,” Li Chisu said with a smile, looking at Zhao Qi, “Your Majesty, today you haven’t grown a beard, have you?”
Feigning a cough, Zhao Qi changed the subject, “Prince Zhaonan, enjoy your food and drink, and don’t stand on ceremony with me.”
Li Chisu smiled, “Of course.”
Returning to his seat, Li Chisu suddenly found a note under his plate. He looked around, quickly scanned the note’s contents, and left his seat.
Later, Empress Dowager Wen, feeling tired, returned to Cian Palace. Gradually, many others came to toast Zhao Qi, including high-ranking ministers and envoys from allied countries. Each toast required Zhao Qi to show some courtesy. After several rounds of drinks, Zhao Qi was slightly drunk and didn’t notice when Rong Tang left early. By the time He Changzhou arrived, Zhao Qi was already quite tipsy.
“Your Majesty, I toast to you as well. I hope Your Majesty will favor me more in the future?”
Under the influence of alcohol, Zhao Qi spoke freely, “What is our relationship! One cup is not enough, at least three!”
He Changzhou laughed, “That’s what Your Majesty said. Someone, bring more wine!”
“Your Majesty,” Xiao Shiqing frowned, “you cannot handle your liquor. Do not overindulge.”
“It’s fine,” Zhao Qi’s voice had softened, “It’s my birthday, why can’t I get drunk once.”
Xiao Shiqing, unwilling to argue further, directly took the wine cup from Zhao Qi’s hand, “Your Majesty is already drunk.”
“Give it back to me, the cup…”
Zhao Qi lunged forward to grab the cup, but Xiao Shiqing blocked him with one hand around his waist. “Jiang Dehai, take the emperor back to his palace.”
Suddenly, Zhao Qi shouted, “Xiao Shiqing!”
The surrounding area fell silent.
Perhaps the alcohol was too strong, Zhao Qi felt an unbearable heat throughout his body. He squinted at Xiao Shiqing for a moment, then leaned uncontrollably against him. “Prime Minister brother…”
Xiao Shiqing steadied him, “Hmm?”
“Everyone else has given me gifts, where’s yours?”
Xiao Shiqing’s eyes flickered, and his voice was as gentle as if coaxing a child, “Your gift will be given to you later.”
“Alright…” Zhao Qi obediently agreed and closed his eyes.
Jiang Dehai looked at Zhao Qi, “Is His Majesty asleep?”
Xiao Shiqing, “Yes, I’ll carry him back.”
“Prime Minister Xiao,” He Changzhou pointed below, “The palace banquet is not yet over, the officials have not finished celebrating, and both the Empress Dowager and the Emperor have left. As the head of the officials, you should stay here to preside. As for the Emperor, I can carry him back to the palace. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done so.”
T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~
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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!
If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield
If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’
How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection
What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love
How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep
