Drunk on Madness - Chapter 3

The scorching summer heat was unbearable.

Inside Moyuan Pavilion, where mountains and waters stood tall and the air was cool and refreshing, warm in winter and cool in summer, even this sanctuary could not withstand the sun’s relentless fury.

Zhou Mingxuan, the heir of Prince Yan, had a face as flawless as jade and an elegant demeanor. In one hand, he held a military treatise, while the other hand idly twirled a string of dark Buddhist beads, resembling a serene yet aloof white jade Buddha. Standing beside him, Eunuch Du was on the verge of dozing off, his thin fan occasionally fluttering a couple of times.

The heat made Zhou Mingxuan increasingly irritable. He set down the military treatise and picked up the teacup beside him. As he brought it to his lips, he realized it was empty.

Glancing at the drowsy Eunuch Du, Zhou Mingxuan slammed the teacup heavily onto the desk, shattering the room’s tranquility.

“Your Highness, what’s wrong?” The sudden noise jolted Eunuch Du awake, and he immediately dropped to his knees, all traces of sleepiness gone.

Zhou Mingxuan’s gaze turned icy. “If you want to sleep, get out.”

Eunuch Du hastily kowtowed. “Your Highness, forgive me! This servant didn’t mean to fall asleep. Please punish me!”

Zhou Mingxuan waved him off impatiently. “Go fetch some cool water, no need for tea.”

Eunuch Du felt as if granted a pardon. “Yes, Your Highness! I’ll go right away.” With that, he grabbed the tea set from the table and hurried out of the study.

Clang!

The tea set met its inevitable fate, shattered. Just outside the door, Eunuch Du collided with Su Mo, who was about to enter.

Su Mo lazily remarked, “Eunuch Du, what’s the rush?”

Eunuch Du looked as if he had found a savior. “Master Mo, where have you been? His Highness wants water. I’ll go prepare some cool water, could you please keep an eye on things here?”

Su Mo smiled faintly. “Go ahead.”

“Thank you, Master Mo!” Eunuch Du scurried away in a flash.

Watching Eunuch Du’s retreating figure, Su Mo bent down to pick up the broken shards. Just then, Zhou Mingxuan emerged from the study, his expression calm. “Let him clean it up himself when he gets back.”

Su Mo ignored him and continued gathering the fragments. Zhou Mingxuan stood tall and composed in the distance, his gaze cool and displeased. “Where have you been these past few days? Does Moyuan Pavilion no longer hold your interest?”

Su Mo’s father, Su Ying, had been Prince Yan’s childhood bodyguard, and the two had shared a deep bond. Unfortunately, during an outing, Su Ying died saving the prince.

Filled with guilt toward Su Mo and his mother, Prince Yan adopted Su Mo as his foster son. At the time, Su Mo was the same age as Zhou Mingxuan, so the two were raised together, studying and playing side by side. The young heir naturally grew close to Su Mo, treating him like a brother. They got into mischief together and were inseparable. Prince Zhou Chengyan was pleased with their bond and, disregarding societal norms, even sent both Su Mo and Zhou Mingxuan to study at Songshan Academy.

Officially, Su Mo was Zhou Mingxuan’s personal guard, but privately, Zhou Mingxuan regarded him as family. Thus, Zhou Mingxuan’s daily chores were always assigned to other servants.

Su Mo tossed the broken shards into a nearby waste bucket and dusted off his hands. “It’s nothing. I just went to my mother’s place for a nap… What, did you miss me after just a short while apart?”

Zhou Mingxuan rolled his eyes. “Don’t lie to me. It’s so hot, how could napping at your mother’s place be cooler than Moyuan Pavilion?”

Su Mo defended himself. “I missed my mother and wanted to spend more time with her. Is that so wrong?”

Zhou Mingxuan didn’t believe it. “Someone your age still missing their mother?” he scoffed. “Running out to see her every day, is that really how much you miss her?”

Su Mo replied, “I’m about to start school, and who knows when we’ll see her again after we leave? I just want to spend more time with her.”

“Hah, this filial piety of yours is rather sudden,” Zhou Mingxuan sneered.

The two sat down in the study. Eunuch Du brought in a fresh tea set and cold water. After gulping down several cups, Su Mo sighed contentedly, “So refreshing! Burp.”

Zhou Mingxuan wrinkled his nose in disgust. “You went sneaking off to eat, didn’t you?” he accused. “Stuffed to the brim and now burping, reeking of food.”

Caught red-handed, Su Mo quickly changed the subject. “I really miss the Cai Xia Pond at the academy. In weather like this, I could soak in it all day without coming out!”

Zhou Mingxuan gave him a knowing smirk. “Just now you couldn’t bear to leave your mother, and now you’re already longing for the academy?”

Su Mo set down his cup and rubbed his nose sheepishly. Zhou Mingxuan arched an eyebrow, his tone teasing. “Better cherish the time you have. Don’t get to the academy and start missing your mother again.”

Alright, Su Mo had to admit he was no match for the young master.

Zhou Mingxuan tapped his slender, well-defined fingers idly against the rim of the white jade cup. “By the way, have you decided who you’re taking with us to the academy?” Su Mo thought of Li Xiang and nodded slightly. “There is someone.”

“I don’t care who it is, as long as they meet my requirements,” Zhou Mingxuan said. “You know what I mean.”

Truth be told, finding a maid who met Zhou Mingxuan’s standards was no easy task. She had to be literate, able to run errands for books and supplies, and organize his study. She also needed to cook meals, prepare late-night snacks, do laundry, and handle menial chores. And, of course, she had to be presentable, someone they wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen with.

Songshan Academy was the most prestigious institution of its time, located at the of top Mount Song in Jiangzhou, a remote and secluded place. Yet, it attracted countless scions of noble families. The academy had strict rules for its students: no staying out overnight, and no bringing personal servants, those were the regulations.

Last winter had been bitterly cold, and several high-born students had fallen gravely ill with persistent fevers, nearly dying in the academy. Though Songshan had its own physicians, the lack of care for the sick students led to relapses, causing great concern.

When their parents found out, they flocked to the academy, worried their sons were freezing or starving. Many even took up residence in nearby Baiyun Town, occasionally sending food and clothing.

Upon learning of this, Zhou Yanqing, the headmaster of Songshan Academy, moved by the parents’ devotion, set up Linfeng Residence beside Hanqiu Courtyard. This allowed attendants or maids to stay nearby for a modest rent. Due to limited space, each student was permitted only one attendant.

“A distant relative of my mother’s sent her daughter to the manor. I hear she’s literate, though not extensively. I’ve tried her braised meat, it’s decent. And she’s definitely capable of laundry and chores,” Su Mo said.

Zhou Mingxuan raised an eyebrow. “Your cousin? So all this time you’ve been running off to your mother’s place to see her?”

Su Mo clasped his hands in a gesture of surrender. “Ah, I knew I couldn’t hide it from you. She just arrived, and my mother was worried she might cause trouble, so she asked me to keep an eye on her occasionally.”

Zhou Mingxuan’s tone turned playful as he smirked. “Then why not just say so? Hiding it from me… is she so pretty you’re afraid I’d take a liking to her?”

“Where did you get that idea? Actually, it’s…” Su Mo trailed off, hesitating.

Zhou Mingxuan raised an eyebrow and patted Su Mo’s shoulder, saying, “Actually what? Go on, there’s nothing we can’t talk about between us, right?”

Su Mo’s lips curled slightly. “Actually, she’s not my cousin. She’s a beggar I met on the street a few days ago.” Su Mo recounted the process of meeting Li Xiang and also mentioned his concerns about her identity.

Zhou Mingxuan paused, then said meaningfully, “Since when have you been so kind-hearted?”

Su Mo explained, “She told me she can read, and we happen to need someone like that. Besides, it’s not safe for a girl to be out there alone. At the time, she clung to my robe and wouldn’t let go, I couldn’t just leave her to die. And…” Su Mo hesitated.

Zhou Mingxuan couldn’t help but ask curiously, “And what?”

Su Mo lowered his head and said softly, “I felt that if I didn’t bring her back, she might really die. Her wrists were covered in blood.” Su Mo gestured to his own hands.

Zhou Mingxuan frowned slightly. “Are you saying she tried to slit her wrists?”

Su Mo nodded. “Yes. After bringing her back, I thought since the manor is short on maids anyway, having my mother keep an eye on her would at least save her life.”

“Su Mo, you’re being too soft-hearted. How could a beggar know how to read or cook? I think she’s a spy planted by someone to get close to you and infiltrate the prince’s manor,” Zhou Mingxuan said, his face full of disbelief.

Su Mo suddenly lowered his voice. “Actually, the next day, I was still uneasy, so I went to the ruined temple and asked around about her. Everyone who knew her called her a little madwoman, sometimes lucid, sometimes insane. When she was lucid, she’d try to kill herself. She only survived because a few courtesans from the Bright Moon Pavilion took pity on her and gave her food.”

Su Mo took a sip of water and continued, “I went to the Bright Moon Pavilion to ask about her. Three months ago, she was sold there. When the madam tried to make her take clients, she refused and smashed her head against a wall. Though she survived, she lost her mind after that. The madam spent some money treating her but eventually threw her out. Several of the courtesans pitied her and took turns bringing her food at the ruined temple every few days.”

“Before I left, they asked me if I had any news about the little beggar. I lied and said she was dead, telling them not to worry anymore.” Su Mo sighed. Her story was tragic indeed.

Zhou Mingxuan listened silently without a word.

Su Mo went on, “The physician said her prolonged high fever might have made her forget her past. Young Master, I know it was wrong of me to bring her into the manor without verifying her identity first, but I can guarantee she’s no spy.”

Suddenly, Su Mo knelt on one knee and vowed to Zhou Mingxuan, “As for going to Songshan Academy next month, we can consider other candidates. There’s no need to decide right now.”

Zhou Mingxuan helped Su Mo up. “…Fine. If you think it’s suitable, then so be it. But let me be clear, if she causes trouble, you’ll be held responsible.”

Su Mo grinned and raised an eyebrow. “If she messes up, I’ll join you in scolding her.”

Hearing this, the two exchanged a laugh.

Su Mo considered that since he was the one who brought Li Xiang into the Yan Manor, if anything happened while he wasn’t there, his mother would inevitably be held accountable. It would be better to keep her under his own watch. If anything unusual occurred, he could handle it himself.

The next day, after Su Mo helped Li Xiang fetch water, Li Xiang, as usual, “offered tribute” to Su Mo.

Having learned from the previous days’ lessons, Li Xiang directly switched to a basin-sized bowl this time, filling it to the brim with cold noodles. On top, she placed five eggs. She poured the prepared scallion, ginger, and garlic sauce all over the noodles and tossed in the red, white, and green vegetables as well.

Su Mo picked up a small clump of noodles with his chopsticks and said disdainfully, “Are you trying to feed pigs here? I want meat, I need meat.”

Li Xiang pointed at the pitifully small amount of shredded chicken in the bowl. “Isn’t there some chicken here?”

“The kitchen doesn’t have that much leftover meat for you. Just try this first, it’s really tasty too.” With that, Li Xiang poured a bowl of homemade chili oil into the basin and mixed it thoroughly.

Su Mo was skeptical but still took a bite. The noodles were smooth and refreshing, with a tangy and spicy flavor that was quite appetizing. Su Mo stopped complaining and, shielding the large bowl, started eating heartily.

After finishing the noodles, Su Mo patted his belly and said, “Next month, the young master and I are going to Shongsan Academy to study. You’re coming with us.”

Li Xiang was stunned. “Study? For how long?”

Su Mo replied, “At most three years, at least one.”

“But I just got used to this job?” Li Xiang felt quite comfortable working in the prince’s residence and had gradually grown familiar with her colleagues in the kitchen. The thought of going to an unfamiliar place again made her uneasy.

Su Mo rolled his eyes. “What did you say? Did I hear you right? You call this getting used to it? I just helped a ghost carry water to water the vegetables!”

He mercilessly pointed out the truth. “You’re getting used to me doing the work for you, aren’t you?”

Li Xiang inwardly recoiled at the idea of serving in front of the masters. Ancient maids had no rights, they were expected to kneel at the drop of a hat, and she knew she’d suffer for it.

“Aren’t there other people in the prince’s residence? Why send me? I’m a woman, won’t it be inconvenient for me to be around you two young masters?”

“Is it inconvenient for you? Because it’s perfectly convenient for us.” Su Mo was intrigued, this was the first time he’d met a maid who didn’t want to get closer to her masters.

Li Xiang realized it must have been Su Mo’s idea. “You just want me to cook special meals for you every day, don’t you?”

She resisted. “Can you help me get out of this?”

Su Mo said, “No. The young master has already requested you by name.”

Li Xiang frowned slightly and stared at Su Mo. “I’ve never even met the young master. How would he know about me? Did you bring me up?”

Su Mo admitted bluntly, “Yes. You’re no good at the rough work in the kitchen. Isn’t it better to give you something easier?”

Li Xiang grew anxious. “No, no, no. There are too many rules around the masters. What if I make a mistake?”

Su Mo said, “I’ll be there, won’t I? Don’t worry, I’ll speak up for you.”

Li Xiang blinked angrily. “Easy for you to say.”

Su Mo remained unyielding. “This isn’t up for debate. Pack your things, you’re coming with me to Moyuan Pavilion tonight. I’ve already spoken to Chef Wang about it.” Without waiting for her response, he strode off.

…

That evening, in Qingfeng Residence, Auntie Su, Su Mo, and Li Xiang dined together.

Compared to their usual lively meals, tonight was unusually quiet.

Auntie Su sensed the odd atmosphere. “Did you two have a fight?”

Li Xiang pouted. “Auntie, he wants to take me to the academy with him. The thought of leaving you makes me sad.”

Su Mo furrowed his brow. “You’re acting like you’re the one being wronged. Many people want to go but aren’t allowed. Since you’re being sent, you’d better make the most of it.”

“Then let them go. I don’t want to. What good is a little maid trailing after two grown men?” Realizing her words might have been too blunt, Li Xiang’s voice softened.

Su Mo was indignant. “What do you mean by that? What could two grown men possibly do to you?”

Li Xiang muttered under her breath, “It’s definitely not going to be a life of luxury.”

With a loud thud, Su Mo slammed his chopsticks down in anger. “You’re being ungrateful.”

Seeing the argument escalate, Madam Su intervened. “Alright, alright, that’s enough. Both of you, just eat your meal in peace.”

With her only son often away, Auntie Su had grown fond of Li Xiang, who kept her company with conversation. Being women, they bonded easily, and over time, Auntie Su began to treat Li Xiang like a daughter. Sometimes, she even thought Li Xiang would make a good daughter-in-law.

Auntie Su asked, “How long will you be gone?”

Li Xiang replied, “They’re going for three years.”

Su Mo corrected her. “At most three years, at least one.”

Auntie Su set down her bowl and chopsticks. “That is quite a while. Xiangxiang, you should go with them.”

Turning to Li Xiang, who was quietly eating, she said earnestly, “Xiangxiang, Momo is often away with no one to look after him. If you can stay by his side, I’d feel much more at ease.”

Li Xiang looked up at Auntie Su. “But there’s so much I don’t know.”

“It’s alright. You’ll have each other for company, supporting and taking care of one another.” Auntie Su understood what Li Xiang meant by “don’t know.”

Since arriving at the prince’s residence, Li Xiang had seemed unfamiliar with many things. But she learned quickly, she was a clever girl. Even when faced with mistreatment in the household, she never complained or sought revenge, quietly going about her tasks. This was something Auntie Su greatly appreciated.

Though they hadn’t known each other long, it was clear her son treated Li Xiang differently. The two bickered whenever they met, yet he’d talk about her when she wasn’t around. Auntie Su turned to Su Mo and instructed, “Momo, Xiangxiang has no family here, and she’s a young woman. When you’re away, you must ensure her safety. As a man, you should take on the heavier tasks for her.”

Seeing that Auntie Su wasn’t on her side, Li Xiang resigned herself to her fate and continued eating. The room fell silent as the two wordlessly focused on their meals. Auntie Su watched them, the more she looked, the more they seemed like a perfect match.

Su Mo, still eating, noticed his mother’s oddly pleased smile and suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

After the meal, Li Xiang packed her simple belongings and set off for Moyuan Pavilion with Su Mo.