Chapter 14: Princess Luoxia, Did Your Father Dye His Hair?

Uncomfortable? You look quite happy to me!

Chu Wangfei lifted the medicine bowl and pushed it back to Murong Ji’s lips: Finish this for me! If you dare waste a single drop, I’ll drag you back to the manor today!

Earlier, Consort Shen Liang hadn’t gained any advantage in her confrontation with Xie Defei. After Xie Defei left, Consort Shen Liang remained alone in her chamber fuming. Seeing this, Qi Wangfei quickly took Murong Wan and left the palace, while Murong Jun tactfully returned first to his Still Water Pavilion.

Using the excuse that the imperial grandson needed to take medicine, Chu Wangfei directly carried him to the side hall.

Murong Ji made a bitter face, wrinkled his little nose, and looked at the dark liquid in the bowl, a flash of reluctance in his eyes. But remembering he needed to stay in the palace to bond with Emperor Zhaoming, he finally pinched his nose and drank the medicine in one gulp.

Candied fruit! Candied fruit! Candied fruit! Murong Ji covered his mouth, his small face scrunched up, shouting anxiously.

Chu Wangfei took the medicine bowl and stuffed the candied fruit from her other hand into his mouth, her tone carrying some helplessness: Wanwan is a straightforward and loyal girl. You’re not allowed to use her anymore, understand?

Murong Ji held the candied fruit in his mouth, raised his index finger and slowly shook it.

Seeing this, Chu Wangfei raised an eyebrow, stood up and flexed her wrists: You little rascal! Can’t take a polite warning, can you!

Murong Ji quickly shook his head, pointed to his mouth, and made a wait gesture, indicating he was busy chewing the candied fruit.

The evening glow filtered through the carved window lattice into the hall, casting Murong Ji’s shadow on the rosewood bed. The small figure sat on the soft bedding, his crystalline fingers white and translucent, his pink cheeks slightly puffed from holding the candied fruit, his lips moist and glossy from just drinking the medicine. Those clear black-and-white eyes blinked, staring directly at Chu Wangfei, so adorable it made one want to pinch him.

Chu Wangfei ultimately couldn’t resist, reaching out to ruffle the white ball before her, only stopping when the child’s eyes reddened at the corners and his hair became disheveled, reluctantly withdrawing her hand.

Murong Ji finally suppressed the medicine taste in his mouth. He straightened his ruffled hair and looked up helplessly: Mother, are you getting revenge for Wanwan sister?

Chu Wangfei crossed her arms and snorted coldly, offering no response.

Murong Ji moved himself to the edge of the bed and signaled for Ziyun at the door to enter: Even without me today, Wanwan sister would have gone to find Murong Zhan. I was helping her.

Chu Wangfei frowned: Wanwan knows what’s important. She’s never caused trouble in the palace before.

That was before, Murong Ji said lightly, his tone carrying a maturity beyond his years.

Ziyun stepped forward and skillfully arranged Murong Ji’s attire. After dressing, Murong Ji patted Chu Wangfei’s leg and stretched out his arms asking to be held.

Mother, do you know Yan Qing?

Chu Wangfei hugged the little one, frowning in thought: Young Master Yan? What about him?

Nearby, Ziyun caught Murong Ji’s signal and spoke fluently: Yan Qing, grandson of Old Prime Minister Yan. His father serves as Vice Minister of Works, his mother is the daughter of Martial Arts Master Dong from Shangyong Academy. He began his education at three under his grandfather’s personal tutelage in literature, while his mother taught him martial arts. At five, he entered Shangyong Academy. His poem ‘Ode to the Clear Breeze’ spread throughout Great Jin, praised by the academy head as ‘unparalleled in this generation’ for its incisive language. His subsequent literary works have all been exceptional – Great Jin scholars call him ‘Jade-like Splendor, Peerless Talent,’ while commoners dub him ‘Capital Prodigy.’

Chu Wangfei coughed lightly: I know all this. What are you trying to say?

Murong Ji clung to Chu Wangfei’s neck with an innocent smile: Such a youth should be a model for the capital’s younger generation. When Murong Zhan bullied him into falling into the water, it’s natural for Wanwan Elder Sister to be angry. To prevent Wanwan Elder Sister from rudely confronting elders without cause and facing severe punishment from His Majesty later, Ji’er naturally must step forward.

Chu Wangfei opened her mouth but found herself unable to refute.

Murong Ji smiled faintly: Let’s go. It’s time to see Grandfather.

—

In the Waterside Palace, Emperor Zhaoming sat on the main throne, gazing deeply at the sunset outside.

Consort Shen Liang had composed herself, briefly mentioning the earlier fight before raising the matter of Fifth Prince Murong Jun’s accommodation.

Your Majesty, since Consort Shu Sister is unwell, perhaps Jun’er could temporarily stay at the Waterside Palace where I can look after him, Consort Shen Liang suggested gently.

Emperor Zhaoming nodded: You’re very considerate, Liang Consort.

Feeling somewhat reassured, Consort Shen Liang then mentioned Prince Qi: Your Majesty, according to the itinerary, Ye’er should have reached Qingzhou. I wonder if everything is proceeding smoothly?Emperor Zhaoming’s expression turned stern, his voice low: Marquis Xiao’s side is naturally proceeding well. However, King Yunlu is getting married in seven days, and Prince Qi must attend to offer congratulations according to protocol.

Consort Shen Liang’s face changed at this: King Yunlu is marrying again? But why must Ye’er go congratulate him?

King Yunlu had been dissolute since youth, leaving bastards everywhere and showing particular interest in married women. Were it not for his unmatched martial prowess, he would have been killed long ago. Now in his sixties with numerous descendants, he remained obsessed with carnal pleasures – rumors said he kept over thirty concubines in his residence, had buried more than a dozen principal wives, and last married just three years ago.

King Yunlu frequently married, yet His Majesty had never paid particular attention. Why this time…

Emperor Zhaoming’s gaze turned cold as he slowly said: This time, King Yunlu is marrying the eldest daughter of the Western Rong King – Princess Luoxia.

Princess Luoxia?! Consort Shen Liang exclaimed.

In the nearly two centuries since Great Jin’s founding, the nomadic tribes of the ice plains had gradually expanded, forming two major royal courts dominated by the Northern Di and Western Rong. The Northern Di bordered the northern deserts, rich in grasslands and livestock. While trading with Great Jin, they constantly harassed the borders, requiring the Northern Garrison King to permanently guard against them. The Western Rong neighbored the ice plains and high mountains, abundant in rare treasures, and maintained friendly relations with Great Jin, with frequent intermarriage between the two nations.

The Western Rong King was over fifty with only one prince among his six children, the rest being princesses. Princess Luoxia, the eldest, led a notoriously promiscuous life, rumored to have affairs with numerous Western Rong generals. She had always valued appearance over marriage, making her agreement to marry the elderly King Yunlu particularly puzzling.

Emperor Zhaoming spoke gravely: Don’t attend the Flower Viewing Banquet in three days.

Consort Shen Liang looked puzzled: What does this have to do with the Flower Viewing Banquet?

Emperor Zhaoming’s face darkened: If you want Prince Qi to return safely, don’t go.

Consort Shen Liang’s heart tightened, and she wisely fell silent.

Not long after, Chu Wangfei entered the hall carrying Murong Ji in her arms.

Greetings, Your Majesty, Liang Consort. Chu Wangfei bowed respectfully.

Grandfather—

As soon as Murong Ji’s feet touched the ground, he rushed straight into Emperor Zhaoming’s embrace.

The emperor skillfully lifted the little one, bouncing him lightly in his arms, and couldn’t help but frown. Murong Ji, have you not been eating properly?

Ji’er is wronged! Ji’er eats well every day! If Grandfather doesn’t believe me, you can ask Mother Consort! Murong Ji pouted, his face full of grievance.

Consort Shen Liang smiled and smoothed things over. Your Majesty has misjudged him. Ji’er eats even more sumptuously than I do each day. But there’s no need to worry—the imperial physician says that with a bit more time for recuperation, Ji’er’s health will be almost fully restored. By then, he might even shoot up in height!

Emperor Zhaoming pinched Murong Ji’s chubby cheek. That’s good to hear. You’ve worked hard, Liang Consort.

I haven’t done much—it’s all Ji’er’s own effort. He has to drink such bitter medicine every day.

The emperor chuckled. Both of you have worked hard and deserve rewards. Murong Ji, what would you like?

Murong Ji leaned against Emperor Zhaoming’s neck, his small hand stroking the emperor’s beard, his gaze innocent. Grandfather, why is your beard white? Ji’er wants Grandfather to have a black beard!

What?

Following the crown prince’s grandson’s gaze, Consort Shen Liang noticed for the first time that the emperor’s beard and hair had indeed turned somewhat white, making him appear noticeably older.

Worry filled her eyes, but she didn’t know how to broach the subject.

State affairs were exhausting, yet no emperor could easily accept growing old. The crown prince’s grandson’s remark truly should not have been spoken aloud.

Chu Wangfei’s face stiffened.

Silence fell over the hall.

But Emperor Zhaoming raised a hand to stroke his long beard and said calmly, Grandfather is old.

Murong Ji blinked, his voice soft and childish. Grandfather isn’t old! It’s just that your beard is white, just like Father’s hair—you can dye it black!

Dye it black?

So Prince Chu’s glossy black hair was dyed!

Consort Shen Liang’s eyebrows lifted slightly, a flicker of surprise in her eyes.

Though Prince Chu was sickly, he usually paid great attention to his appearance—it was his looks that had captivated Chu Wangfei. She couldn’t imagine her husband’s reaction upon learning that his hair-dyeing secret had been spilled by this little rascal.

Emperor Zhaoming was also taken aback. Your father dyes his hair?

The second prince usually moved at a leisurely pace—who would have thought he was also so vain?

Murong Ji nodded emphatically, utterly unconcerned with preserving Prince Chu’s dignity.

Father dyes his hair every day! This time, he couldn’t bring much of the ointment to Qingzhou, but there should be some left at home.

Meeting the emperor’s expectant gaze, Chu Wangfei had no choice but to grit her teeth and nod.

Your Majesty, I will bring the ointment tomorrow.

Far away, a thousand li distant, Prince Chu sat in his carriage, looking at the nearly depleted hair-darkening ointment in his hand. He sighed softly in resignation. Zhang Luo, when we reach the next post station, prepare more of this ointment for me.

Before handing the boy over to others, he had to make the most of what he had.

Yes, Your Highness.

Outside, driving the carriage, Zhang Luo’s face was expressionless, his eyes filled with the numbness born of endless trials.

Once a trusted subordinate of the late Empress Xiao, he had handled countless dirty tasks and cleared away innumerable hidden arrows. In his days of glory, even Eunuch Gao at Emperor Zhaoming’s side had to bow his head to him. Now, he was reduced to maintaining Prince Chu’s daily appearance.

Ah, well—

Who made him the only son of his mistress?

The young heir had also given instructions: aside from matters concerning Marquis Xiao, the primary task during this trip to Qingzhou was to ensure Prince Chu’s safety.

Upon returning this time, he would finally be able to stand openly by the young heir’s side.

Thinking of this, Zhang Luo’s long-suppressed ambition surged once more.

Though the young heir was frail, three years of being nourished with resources by the Chu Consort had largely restored his health. If the young heir desired that position, it wasn’t entirely impossible.

Zhang Luo straightened his back and raised his whip high.

Hyah—

Oof—do slow down—

As you wish, Your Highness.

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