The Seventh Princess Insists on Making Me Live Off Her - Chapter 4

The Fifth Imperial Princess had been born to an imperial concubine, so her status had never been particularly high. However, she had turned nineteen at the beginning of the year, after which the Emperor permitted her to enter the imperial court, granted her an official position, and allowed her to participate in government affairs. She had immediately adopted a superior attitude, constantly making veiled remarks about Gao Jingxi still being an idle princess without official duties.

Yet she seemed to have forgotten that, according to the laws of their dynasty, neither imperial princes nor princesses could be granted official positions before turning nineteen. Gao Jingxi had only turned eighteen before her wedding, so naturally, she still appeared to be an idle member of the imperial family.

“Greetings, Fifth Imperial Sister.”

Lian Liejin cupped her hands briefly in greeting.

“I have long heard that my sister-in-law is remarkably handsome and possesses unparalleled elegance. Now that I have seen you for myself, even I feel a little jealous of Seventh Imperial Sister.”

Gao Qing narrowed her eyes slightly as she studied Lian Liejin, her penetrating gaze almost seeming capable of seeing straight through her.

Just as Gao Qing’s hand was about to touch Lian Liejin’s shoulder, Gao Jingxi reacted quickly and pulled her Princess Consort behind her.

“I recall that Fifth Brother-in-law is outstanding in both character and learning. Imperial Sister ought to treasure him more.”

Gao Qing withdrew her hand and smiled without the slightest embarrassment.

Unfortunately, her own consort was, like her, merely the child of a concubine. Who knew how great a price they would have to pay if they wanted to climb higher?

Lian Liejin, on the other hand, was a legitimate daughter—and she was unexpectedly so delectable. What a shame that she had been left for Gao Jingxi to enjoy.

“By the way, Seventh Imperial Sister, are you not going to visit Eldest Young Lady Lian?”

Gao Qing’s eyes were filled with mockery as she glanced at Lian Liejin, plainly eager to watch the drama unfold.

“She has been bedridden with illness for several days.”

“Fifth Imperial Sister, are you referring to my elder sister?” Lian Liejin asked somewhat slowly.

Seeing Lian Liejin respond, Gao Qing’s eyes brightened, and she immediately began talking at length.

“That is right. You have lived on the mountain for so many years, so you may not know this, but your elder sister and my Seventh Imperial Sister grew up together as childhood sweethearts. No one expected you to return…”

So that was how it was.

Lian Liejin sneered inwardly. No wonder her father’s concubine had been so displeased with her ever since she returned to the Duke’s Residence. Once she, the legitimate daughter, came home, even the eldest daughter had to step aside.

Still, the thought that the concubine’s plan to marry her daughter into a powerful family had fallen through filled Lian Liejin with delight.

“Your Fifth Highness, Your Seventh Highness, Princess Consort.”

A eunuch approached them.

“The banquet is about to begin. Her Majesty the Empress sent this servant to find the three of you.”

“In that case, we should take our seats quickly. Arriving late would be improper conduct before the imperial presence.”

For once, Gao Jingxi felt uncomfortable all over. In particular, the way Gao Qing had looked at Lian Liejin made her feel deeply offended.

After they left the imperial garden, Gao Qing said she needed to change her clothes. Gao Jingxi and Lian Liejin therefore headed toward the banquet hall first.

“What is this? You seemed to have quite an enjoyable conversation with my imperial sister.”

Lian Liejin looked at Gao Jingxi’s ambiguous smile, unsure how she was supposed to answer.

“It was all right, I suppose. I am not familiar with her.”

“Heh.”

Gao Jingxi sneered twice.

“Stop dressing yourself up so flamboyantly every day.”

Lian Liejin: “…”

She did not.

She absolutely did not.

The two walked side by side but no longer spoke. The only amusing thing was that smiles remained in both their eyes as they maintained an outward appearance of harmony.

At the banquet, the Emperor’s dragon throne stood high above everyone else, though its occupant had not yet arrived.

Seated below were the Empress, the Noble Consort, and the other imperial concubines. The imperial princes and princesses also took their seats according to age and rank.

Ultimately, it was merely a family banquet. Those attending were members of the imperial clan, the children of important officials, and the entire household of the Duke of Yan.

The elderly Duke of Yan saw Lian Liejin from a distance, but Gao Jingxi was the first to approach him and bow.

“Your Highness, you must not! You are the sovereign, while I—”

“Grandfather, what are you saying? I married the Princess Consort, so naturally, you are also my elder.”

“Father, why are you the only one here? Where are all my elder brothers and sisters and younger brothers and sisters?” Lian Liejin asked in a tone filled with anticipation for a good show.

“Jin’er, your elder sister has fallen ill. Your father’s concubine and the others remained at home to care for her.”

The Duke of Yan looked at the young married couple with both joy and relief.

Standing together, they resembled a flawless pair of jade ornaments. No couple could appear more perfectly matched.

“My, my. What a touching display of affection between father and daughter. This prince has not yet had the opportunity to congratulate Seventh Imperial Sister on finding such a fine spouse.”

The speaker was the First Imperial Prince. He was tall, powerfully built, handsome, and imposing, and he possessed considerable prestige within the imperial court.

He suddenly approached them and said with a frivolous smile, “I fear you could search all of Changyong and never find another useless piece of trash so perfectly suited to Seventh Imperial Sister.”

“Imperial Brother flatters me. I heard that Imperial Sister-in-law became homesick and returned to her maternal home with my nephew again?”

Her reply showed no mercy. She had directly revealed before everyone that the First Imperial Prince and his wife were on poor terms.

After all, disorder within one’s own household was a grave disadvantage in the struggle for the throne.

After Gao Jingxi exposed the matter so bluntly, the First Imperial Prince’s face immediately darkened.

He had concealed the news from everyone above and below him. Even the Emperor did not know. How had this inexperienced little girl Gao Jingxi obtained the information?

His expression displeased, he waved his sleeve, snorted, and returned to his seat.

Before the time it took an incense stick to burn had passed, the Emperor finally arrived at a leisurely pace with her newest favorite, Noble Consort Lian.

Noble Consort Lian was sixteen years old and exceptionally charming, delicate, and seductive. It was said that after taking her as a favorite, the Emperor had not entered the palace of any other consort for three months and had doted exclusively on her.

Noble Consort Lian had also lived up to expectations and was now two months pregnant.

The Emperor’s late arrival at the banquet was presumably because she had indulged Noble Consort Lian’s affectionate clinging.

After waiting for these ancient people to complete all their elaborate formalities, the banquet finally began.

Every dish served at the banquet had been specially prepared by pairing its ingredients, giving each one an auspicious meaning for the newly married couple.

After sampling several dishes, Lian Liejin decided that the most delicious was “Golden Mallow Accompanied by Snow Plum,” which consisted of shrimp balls paired with egg dumplings stuffed with minced meat.

Unfortunately, she had barely enjoyed a few peaceful bites when the First Imperial Prince from earlier rose as the dancers temporarily withdrew.

He bowed to the Emperor and said, “Imperial Mother, today’s banquet is being held to celebrate the happy marriage of Seventh Imperial Sister and the Princess Consort. This son feels that having only these ordinary dancers provide entertainment is lacking in amusement.”

The Emperor sat high above them. She was already over forty, but traces of her former beauty could still be seen in her slender face.

“What form of amusement do you suggest?”

“This son has heard that the Princess Consort has been exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted since childhood. Although it was long ago determined that she would never be able to wield stellar power, she has continued to persevere despite her disability.”

Hearing the quiet laughter around him, the First Imperial Prince became even more pleased with himself.

“Now that the Princess Consort has married an unparalleled beauty like Seventh Imperial Sister, she ought to demonstrate some genuine ability if she wishes to convince everyone that she is worthy.”

“Hahaha.”

The Emperor narrowed her eyes.

“You little monkey. You are trying to make trouble for your sister’s consort again. Very well. You young people may have some fun.”

After receiving the Emperor’s approval, the First Imperial Prince raised his head even higher.

“The matter is quite simple. Sister-in-law, look at the lotus pond outside the hall.”

Looking through the doorway, they saw a circular lotus pond.

There was geothermal heat beneath it, so even amid the snow and ice, the water had not frozen. Instead, faint steam rose from its surface, and several lotus blossoms were in full bloom.

“May I ask the Princess Consort how she would make this prince willingly step into that lotus pond at this very moment?”

Was that not deliberately making things difficult?

In such bitterly cold weather, who would willingly walk fully clothed into the water? Moreover, doing so in front of everyone would be extremely improper.

The First Imperial Prince looked around. Everyone wore troubled expressions as they pondered the question.

“Hahaha! All the young masters and young ladies present may also attempt to answer and compete against the Princess Consort.”

Feng Zhi, the son of the Vice Minister of Rites, stood as well.

“This humble one has an idea.”

The First Imperial Prince smiled.

“Young Master Feng, tell us quickly.”

Feng Zhi placed his hands behind his back and raised his head.

“What could be difficult about it? If I started a fire inside the hall and allowed it to spread, His Highness the First Imperial Prince would naturally have to jump into the lotus pond to escape the flames.”

He looked around proudly, only to discover that everyone’s expressions had become peculiar.

The First Imperial Prince’s face was especially gloomy.

Only after thinking for some time did Feng Zhi finally understand.

Setting fire to the imperial palace was an enormous crime—especially when the Emperor herself was present…

The First Imperial Prince hurriedly tried to salvage the situation.

“Imperial Mother, Feng Zhi would never harbor such thoughts. It was merely an unfortunate slip of the tongue. Let us hear what brilliant suggestion the Princess Consort has instead.”

Lian Liejin set down her chopsticks and coughed lightly.

“Your Highness the First Imperial Prince is truly a person of exquisite taste. This question is exceptionally well chosen. The blossoming lotus flowers symbolize good fortune and prosperity for Your Majesty. In this peaceful and flourishing age, a person as pure as a green lotus also constantly accompanies the true dragon.”

The Emperor had always been stern, yet after hearing Lian Liejin’s speech, she unexpectedly revealed a rare smile.

Gao Jingxi was even more astonished.

Lian Liejin either spoke very little or spouted complete nonsense. Who would have imagined that she was secretly such an accomplished flatterer?

“However, I truly have no way to make His Highness the First Imperial Prince willingly walk into the lotus pond.”

The Emperor was greatly pleased and was about to excuse Lian Liejin from continuing when she heard her announce loudly, “However, if Your Highness enters the lotus pond, I do have a way to make you willingly come back out.”

“Hahaha! This prince would like to see what you are capable of!”

“Then, Your Highness the First Imperial Prince, please proceed to the lotus pond.”

“What could be difficult about that?”

The First Imperial Prince removed his outer robe and boots, then jumped into the lotus pond with a splash.

Although the pond water was not cold, the outdoor temperature was extremely low. After soaking for only a short while, he began to feel deeply uncomfortable.

“Jin’er, what method do you intend to use?” the Emperor asked when she saw that Lian Liejin was making no move.

“This daughter has already succeeded.”

“What?”

“His Highness the First Imperial Prince is now willingly soaking in the lotus pond.”

The great hall fell silent.

Noble Consort Lian suddenly began to laugh. Her laughter was melodious and enchanting, nearly causing those with weaker self-control to go soft in the knees.

“Your Majesty, the Seventh Princess’s consort is truly an amusing person.”

“Hahaha! My beloved consort truly understands my heart. Great minds think alike. Attendants, bring the Bottomless Golden Goblet and bestow wine upon the Princess Consort.”

The Bottomless Golden Goblet was more than three times the size of an ordinary wine bowl. An ordinary person would remain drunk for three days after drinking only one cup.

Nevertheless, receiving wine in it was a tremendous honor. In the past, only the top scholar of the previous imperial examination and the Great General had ever been granted such a reward.

The former top scholar now held a high position in the court. Back then, he had drunk three Bottomless Golden Goblets of wine and remained drunk in the great hall for three days. During that time, however, he had composed several masterpieces that were passed down through the generations. The story of sovereign and ministers becoming drunk together had become a celebrated tale.

Lian Liejin stood in the center of the great hall and completely drained the strong wine the Emperor bestowed upon her in the Bottomless Golden Goblet.

She finished one cup after another, drinking three cups in succession.

Then she knelt gracefully to express her gratitude and returned to Gao Jingxi’s side without showing the slightest sign of drunkenness.

“Hu’er, what sort of appearance is this with your clothes in such disorder? You will not leave your residence for the next few days. Remain at home and copy Buddhist scriptures for the Grand Empress Dowager.”

The First Imperial Prince, Gao Hu, had only just stepped back into the great hall, drenched from head to toe like a dog that had fallen into the water, when the Emperor’s continuous scolding crashed down upon him.

After watching Gao Hu leave the banquet in disgrace to change out of his wet clothes, the Emperor laughed once more.

“The Princess Consort truly possesses an extraordinary capacity for alcohol. Reward her again! Bestow twelve jars of fine wine upon the Princess Consort!”

“Your Majesty, please wait!”