Drunk on Madness - Chapter 30

Taking advantage of Zhou Mingxuan’s absence, Li Xiang moved directly into Zhou Qingyi’s courtyard. Leaving the moving to the servants, the two took advantage of the fine weather to stroll around the prince’s residence.

When they reached a lakeside pavilion, Li Xiang suddenly had the whimsical idea to go fishing. Zhou Qingyi, who had never heard of fishing at home before, was also curious.

Servants brought two chairs, and Li Xiang prepared the fishing spot, baiting the hook before settling in to wait for the fish to bite.

As Li Xiang gazed at the distant lotus flowers, she idly chatted with Zhou Qingyi. “Yiyi, you’ve been at the border for so long, have you ever gone out to explore the streets?”

A flicker of disappointment passed through Zhou Qingyi’s eyes. “No. I never thought about going out. Mother and Nanny Zhao always said it’s dangerous outside.”

Li Xiang felt a pang of sympathy, such a young child, confined at home all day. “It’s true, the current situation does make it risky. Even when your brother and I go out, we have to disguise ourselves to avoid being recognized.”

Hearing this, Zhou Qingyi instantly lost her enthusiasm for the outside world. Not wanting to scare her further, Li Xiang quickly added, “But once your father stabilizes the realm, you’ll be able to go out and see everything. They’re just protecting you by keeping you inside for now.”

Zhou Qingyi nodded. “I understand.”

Her obedient and sensible demeanor made her all the more endearing. Li Xiang smiled. “Do you long to see the outside world?”

Zhou Qingyi thought for a moment before answering, “I wouldn’t say I long for it, but since I’ve been out so little, I’m naturally curious about what it’s like.”

Li Xiang said, “Then you should ask me! I’ll tell you all about it. That way, when you do go out, you won’t be so afraid.”

Zhou Qingyi perked up. “Then tell me, what’s daily life like for ordinary people?”

Before Li Xiang could reply, the fishing rod twitched. She immediately signaled Zhou Qingyi to stay quiet. With a firm tug, she pulled up a carp as thick as an arm, dangling from the hook. Seeing Zhou Qingyi about to step forward to help, Li Xiang waved her off.

By the time Zhou Qingyi set down her own rod and came over, Li Xiang had already flung the fish onto the pavilion floor. Nanny Zhao quickly removed it from the hook and placed it in a water basin.

Zhou Qingyi reached out to touch the carp in the basin, but Nanny Zhao stopped her. “Young Mistress, you mustn’t!”

Li Xiang, who had just secured her rod to rebait it, overheard and said, “Nanny Zhao, let Yiyi touch it. Let her feel the vitality of the fish. She can wash her hands afterward.”

Though displeased, Nanny Zhao could hardly refuse. With Li Xiang’s approval, Zhou Qingyi gently brushed her fingers against the fish. With a flick of its tail, the carp splashed water onto her.

Nanny Zhao rushed forward to shield Zhou Qingyi, shooting Li Xiang a reproachful look.

Li Xiang couldn’t help but laugh at the scene. Zhou Qingyi wiped the droplets from her face, her eyes alight with wonder. “Later, we’ll cook it to nourish Mother.”

Li Xiang teased, “It’s my fish, wouldn’t it be odd for you to give it to your mother?”

“Why don’t you catch one yourself?”

Zhou Qingyi found this reasonable and returned to her fishing spot, determined to land one of her own.

Before long, Li Xiang’s bait stirred again, this time, the fish was even bigger. Zhou Qingyi watched enviously. “Why do the fish always bite your hook? I’ve been sitting here so long without a single one.”

Li Xiang set down her rod and took Zhou Qingyi’s. “Your bait’s already been eaten, didn’t you notice?” She then rebaited the hook for her.

Li Xiang continued, “Fishing isn’t really about catching fish, it’s about the thrill of conquest.”

“You need to study the habits of fish, just like understanding an opponent, and then conquer them. Fishing teaches patience and process; it brings us closer to nature and refines our character.”

Li Xiang shared her insights on fishing with Zhou Qingyi. Before long, Zhou Qingyi’s fishing rod also showed signs of a bite. Though the fish she caught weren’t as big as Li Xiang’s, it was the first time she had felt so happy at home.

As the sky darkened, Li Xiang reeled in her line, ready to call it a day. Zhou Qingyi, however, was reluctant to stop. “Why are we done already?” she asked, clearly unwilling to end the activity.

Li Xiang replied, “Another day. It’s getting late, and the mosquitoes will start biting. If you’re bored, why don’t I teach you to cook a dish for your mother to try?”

Zhou Qingyi instantly perked up and pulled Li Xiang toward her small kitchen. Nanny Zhao disapproved but, seeing the young mistress so unusually cheerful, held her tongue.

Arriving at the kitchen in Zhou Qingyi’s residence, Shufang Pavilion, their presence made the kitchen maids nervous. Li Xiang dismissed them and began gutting and cleaning the fish, lighting the stove, and slicing ginger.

Zhou Qingyi watched everything with wide-eyed curiosity. Occasionally, Li Xiang directed her to help wash or chop vegetables.

After much effort, two presentable dishes emerged: braised carp and carp tofu soup. Li Xiang had the dishes placed in a basket to be served at mealtime.

When dinner approached, Zhou Qingyi invited Li Xiang to join them in the main hall, but she declined. Not wanting to upset her mother, Zhou Qingyi didn’t insist. She had the maids carry the two baskets to the dining room.

Lady Zhao arrived late and was taken aback by her daughter’s beaming face. “What’s the good news today? You look so happy.”

Zhou Qingyi brought out the braised carp from the basket. “Today, Sister Xiangxiang took me fishing and taught me how to make this dish. And this carp tofu soup is something she made especially for you, Mother. Try it!”

In truth, Li Xiang had indeed made the carp tofu soup, but there was too much, so she gave most of it to Zhou Qingyi to bring over. Fond of Li Xiang, Zhou Qingyi naturally praised her in front of her mother.

Lady Zhao, moved by her daughter’s filial gesture, felt less hostile toward Li Xiang. The two enjoyed the meal together, with Zhou Qingyi sharing stories of her fishing adventure with Li Xiang.

Seeing her daughter so talkative, Lady Zhao felt a pang of guilt. She was too reserved, and her young daughter, confined to the estate without playmates, had been lonely. Having someone to talk to was good for her.

And so, Li Xiang and Zhou Qingyi spent their days wandering the palace grounds, sometimes flying kites, sometimes playing hide-and-seek, or kicking shuttlecocks to pass the time.

…

For several days, Zhou Mingxuan didn’t return to the estate, and Li Xiang and Zhou Qingyi had a blast together.

One day, in Zhou Qingyi’s chambers, they dismissed the servants.

Li Xiang handed Zhou Qingyi a letter. “Could you help me deliver this to Su Mo?”

Zhou Qingyi was shocked. Why would her sister-in-law write to Brother Mo instead of Eldest Brother? “Did I hear that right?”

Li Xiang didn’t hide it. “Yes, Su Mo… your father’s adopted son.”

Zhou Qingyi frowned. “Why? My eldest brother is wonderful.”

Li Xiang said, “Your brother is a good man, but we’re not suited for each other. Su Mo and I are a better match.”

Li Xiang didn’t know how to persuade Yiyi, so she could only speak earnestly: “I don’t like your brother; it’s Su Mo I love. We’re well-matched in social status, share similar experiences and life perspectives, and most importantly, we have mutual feelings for each other.”

“Before the incident at the Prince’s residence, we were already engaged. Who could have foreseen how unpredictable fate could be? I’ve already told your brother, the heir, that I don’t love him and begged him to let me be with Su Mo. But he forcibly brought me to the Prince’s residence and refuses to listen to me. That’s why I wanted to meet Su Mo to discuss a plan.”

Zhou Qingyi had just recently come to regard Li Xiang as her sister-in-law. She had no idea there was such a backstory. Her brows furrowed slightly, her eyes filled with threads of disappointment: “Then what about my brother? He loves you, but you don’t love him? I can’t betray him by delivering your letter.”

Li Xiang had anticipated her refusal and didn’t press further. She forced a smile and said, “I understand. I’ll think of another way then.”

Seeing that Li Xiang was still determined to find another solution, Zhou Qingyi grew anxious: “My brother is truly wonderful. If you spend more time together, you might come to love him.”

Li Xiang replied, “I understand your reluctance to help me because you care for your brother. But matters of the heart can’t be forced. To your brother, I’m just one of many women in his future. But to Su Mo, I’m his one and only. I don’t want to spend my future fighting with a crowd of women for my husband’s attention.”

Li Xiang’s blunt words made Zhou Qingyi instantly comprehend. She stopped trying to persuade Li Xiang, though she felt a pang of regret that their relationship couldn’t deepen further. She took the letter from Li Xiang’s hand and said, “Then I’ll try to help you.”

Hearing this, Li Xiang immediately embraced Zhou Qingyi. “Yiyi, you’re so kind.” Zhou Qingyi gave a light laugh, though her smile didn’t reach her eyes.

…

Late at night, Zhou Mingxuan finally returned to the residence. As soon as he entered Agarwood Courtyard, still clad in his armor and before he could even think of bathing, he suddenly turned to the eunuch beside him and asked, “How has Xiangxiang been these past few days in the residence? What has she been doing?”

The eunuch quickly informed Zhou Mingxuan about Li Xiang moving in with the princess. Upon hearing this, Zhou Mingxuan immediately changed direction and headed to Shufang Pavilion.

Inside Shufang Pavilion, Li Xiang was bathing. The servant gently massaged her back, making her so comfortable she nearly dozed off.

A creaking sound came as the wooden door was pushed open. Li Xiang thought it was a maid coming to add more hot water.

Zhou Mingxuan signaled for the servant to leave. He walked behind Li Xiang, lifted a strand of her hair, and continued massaging her back. Li Xiang felt the slight roughness of the hands massaging her and turned her head in discomfort. When she saw it was Zhou Mingxuan, she froze in shock.

Instinctively covering her chest, she glared at him angrily and said, “Get out.” Fortunately, the petals in the bath obscured her body from Zhou Mingxuan’s view.

Instead of leaving, Zhou Mingxuan pulled over a wooden stool and sat down. “Come back with me,” he said, lifting some petals from the bathwater and sniffing them. “What kind of flowers are these? They smell nice.”

Li Xiang’s face flushed red with anger at his nonchalance. “Have you no manners? I’m bathing, and you just barge in like this?”

Zhou Mingxuan remained unmoved. “I haven’t seen you in so long. I missed you.” Li Xiang immediately retorted, “Are you an animal? If you want a woman, go find someone else. Don’t bother me.”

Zhou Mingxuan frowned upon hearing this. “I was thinking of you, not some other woman.” Without hesitation, Li Xiang retorted, “I don’t care who you were thinking of. Get out right now. This is your sister’s place, what kind of impression does it give for you to barge in like this?”

Zhou Mingxuan shamelessly replied, “If you come back with me, I’ll leave.” Seeing his unyielding, determined expression, Li Xiang had no choice but to relent. “Fine, you go out first. I’ll change and come with you.”

Having achieved his goal, Zhou Mingxuan smirked lightly and playfully tapped the tip of Li Xiang’s nose with his finger. She turned her face away, avoiding his touch.

Zhou Mingxuan didn’t tease her further and stepped out. Li Xiang quickly dressed and opened the door, only to find dozens of maids kneeling outside, with Zhou Mingxuan waiting for her at the entrance.

Just as Li Xiang was about to explode in anger, Zhou Mingxuan scooped her up and carried her toward his own residence, the Agarwood Courtyard.

As soon as he carried her into his room, Li Xiang began struggling. “What are you doing? I want to go back to my own room.”

Zhou Mingxuan firmly held her limbs and said, “You didn’t finish bathing earlier, did you? Let’s wash together.” With that, he tossed her into the bathing pool.

Once Li Xiang steadied herself and wiped the water from her face, she realized it was a private bath, likely Zhou Mingxuan’s personal bathing pool.

Zhou Mingxuan removed his armor and was about to strip off his undergarments when Li Xiang hastily turned away and scrambled toward the edge of the pool.

Seeing this, Zhou Mingxuan abandoned his struggle with his clothes and leaped into the pool, catching Li Xiang just as she was about to climb out.

Li Xiang had finally had enough. “Zhou Mingxuan!” she shouted. Outside the door, Eunuch Du and the maids Pearl and Coral exchanged uneasy glances, their hearts pounding at the commotion.

It was the first time she had ever called him by his full name. Zhou Mingxuan knew she was furious, but after days of longing, he couldn’t resist having her back by his side. Seeing her about to argue, he didn’t hesitate, he pulled her close and kissed her.

His cool tongue slipped into her mouth, greedily seeking her essence. Their bodies pressed together, faces close, and Zhou Mingxuan inhaled her faint fragrance, his breath growing hot.

His hands soon grew restless, and Li Xiang found it hard to breathe. She pushed against his chest with slight force, resisting. When her struggles proved futile, she lifted her leg and kicked him squarely between the legs.

A muffled groan escaped Zhou Mingxuan’s lips as he released her. The moment she was free, Li Xiang stumbled back a few steps, watching him clutch himself with a mix of guilt and worry. Did I just cripple him? He’s the heir of the household, she thought nervously.

“Are you okay?” she asked hesitantly.

Zhou Mingxuan had indeed been struck in a sensitive spot, but the water had softened the blow. Otherwise, he might have needed a physician. Noticing her concern, he exaggerated his pain. “I think you’ve ruined me. Trying to murder your own husband?”

Seeing how much it seemed to hurt, Li Xiang felt both vindicated and genuinely worried. “Still making jokes at a time like this? Call a physician right now.”

Zhou Mingxuan refused. “Do you want the whole world to know the heir was kicked in the family jewels? If I summon a physician, my reputation will be ruined. And if it doesn’t heal, I’ll never find a wife.”

Li Xiang was speechless. “Then what do you want?”

Zhou Mingxuan continued his act, wincing. “Come here and check for me, see if it’s swollen.”

Upon hearing this, Li Xiang immediately sensed a trick in his words and said, “How can I, a woman, help you with that? I’ll call Eunuch Du in to take a look for you.”

Zhou Mingxuan quickly retorted, “What does a eunuch know about such things?”

Li Xiang shot back, “He may be a eunuch, but he still knows more than a woman like me.” With that, she turned to climb ashore and call for Eunuch Du.

Seeing that his ploy had failed, Zhou Mingxuan reached out and pulled Li Xiang, who was halfway up the bank, back into the water.

Struggling, Li Xiang protested, “Will you ever stop?”

Zhou Mingxuan grabbed one of her hands and said, “I think it’d be better if you checked for yourself.”