Drunk on Madness - Chapter 36

For several days in a row, Zhou Mingxuan did not return to the residence. When the previously agreed rest day arrived, he sent his attendants Qing Ying and Bei Gu to accompany them for an outing.

Zhou Qingyi gazed curiously out of the carriage at the bustling streets filled with vendors selling all kinds of snacks and wares. Qingyi was talkative, unable to resist asking questions about everything she saw. When something piqued her interest, she would have Bei Gu go and buy it for her.

The lively day lifted Li Xiang’s spirits considerably. By the time they returned to the residence, the carriage was laden with purchases.

After bidding farewell, Nanny Zhao came to inform Li Xiang that the Princess Consort had summoned her to the Elegant Garden.

Without much thought, Li Xiang followed Nanny Zhao to the Elegant Garden. The courtyard was exquisitely arranged, artificial hills piled up to form a pond, where the flickering tails of goldfish could be seen, and a winding corridor encircling the garden.

Nanny Zhao led Li Xiang to one of the courtyards. Maids stood guard by the curtains, and others lined the corridor, all with bowed heads and silent. For no apparent reason, Li Xiang suddenly felt a pang of nervousness.

Princess Consort Zhao sat in the seat of honor, gently waving a round fan. Dressed in an opulent brocade gown, her hair elegantly coiled and adorned with pearls and jade, she exuded grace and gentleness.

At her feet were dozens of large chests. The Princess Consort looked at Li Xiang, who appeared uneasy, and said, “There’s no need to be nervous. Sit and speak.”

The maids in the room gradually withdrew, leaving only two elderly nannies standing behind the Princess Consort. Lady Zhao continued, “I called you here today to thank you for taking care of Mingxuan when he was injured.” As she spoke, Nanny Zhao opened three of the chests, all filled with gold.

“Here are a thousand taels of gold, a token of gratitude from me as his mother. The rest are betrothal gifts. Mingxuan mentioned that you have no parents, so I’ll leave the gifts to your discretion. Later, Nanny Li will accompany you back. From now on, if there’s anything you don’t understand, you may ask her.” A middle-aged nanny stepped forward and bowed to Li Xiang.

Li Xiang had never seen so much gold before and was momentarily at a loss. The Princess Consort parted her lips lightly and continued, “Before the war breaks out, and while Mingxuan still holds you dear, you should bear him a son as soon as possible. Having a child will give you an extra layer of security.”

“Mingxuan originally wanted to make you his principal wife, but I fear your humble status may not hold the position steady. If you bear him a son, no one will ever surpass you in status. The household will naturally treat you well in the future.”

The Princess Consort noticed Li Xiang’s silence and lack of visible joy, which puzzled her. Both her children were deeply fond of Li Xiang and had pleaded on her behalf. Out of consideration for them, she had taken the time to advise Li Xiang today and bestowed upon her some wealth for security.

“Since you have nothing to say, I’ll take it as your acceptance. Nanny Li, escort your mistress back to the Agarwood Courtyard.” With that, she left the room.

Li Xiang glanced at the Princess Consort’s retreating figure before departing the Elegant Garden with Nanny Li.

Seven or eight days later, Su Mo’s injuries from beating Zhou Mingxuan had mostly healed, and only then did he dare return to the residence to show his face.

Inside and outside the residence, a jubilant atmosphere prevailed, lanterns and decorations adorned the halls, and the bustle was extraordinary.

Zhou Mingxuan stepped into the residence, watching the servants busily preparing for his and Li Xiang’s wedding. Having not seen Li Xiang for many days, his heart swelled with longing.

In the courtyard, the setting sun cast its glow over the dew-kissed flowers and grass, making them sparkle like crystal.

Li Xiang was dressed in a light, flowing gown, holding a water dipper in her hand. She bent down, tilting the watering can, letting a thin stream of water sprinkle onto the delicate petals of the flowers.

For some reason, Zhou Mingxuan felt she looked even more beautiful than usual. He couldn’t quite pinpoint what had changed, perhaps it was the careful nurturing she had received in the prince’s residence over the past two months, or maybe it was the way she had styled herself today, which had caught his eye. Or perhaps it was simply her, bathed in the glow of the setting sun. Every bit of her was enchanting, stirring his heart.

He dismissed the servants and swept her up into his arms.

The dipper fell from her hand with a clatter, and Li Xiang let out a startled cry as she looked up at the man carrying her into the room.

Her smooth, fair chin tilted slightly upward, her hands resting weakly on his shoulders. The sunlight fell quietly upon them, yet it couldn’t fully capture the rising passion between them.

He seized one of her hands, interlacing their fingers, pressing it above her head as he scattered light kisses along the corner of her lips. Her dark hair cascaded like flowing water over the pillow, stark against its soft whiteness, creating a striking contrast.

Zhou Mingxuan’s jaw tensed, a low, sensual groan escaping through his teeth.

Li Xiang frowned, a flicker of impatience flashing in her eyes. She made to sit up, thinking this was the end of it.

But Zhou Mingxuan pressed her back down. His breath hot against the back of her ear, he murmured, “Xiangxiang, have you missed me these past days?”

Her voice trembled. “No.”

Zhou Mingxuan noticed that whenever he spoke to her, her body would instinctively grow more sensitive, responding to him almost helplessly. It was as if he had discovered a pattern, and he couldn’t resist teasing her further. “Why not? Have I not been diligent enough?”

Having spent the last few nights in the military camp, he had inevitably overheard the soldiers’ crude banter about matters between men and women. The more he listened, the more he wanted to put some of those ideas into practice with Li Xiang.

He turned her body to face him, his heated gaze boring into her. She felt like soft, fragrant silk, wrapping tightly around him.

Her damp eyes met his, and for a moment, she couldn’t look away. As if bewitched, she lifted a hand to smooth the stray strands of hair from his forehead.

A deep growl echoed from within the room. Outside the window, Nanny Li stood listening to the commotion. By the time the sun had set, the man inside had demanded her attention seven or eight times before finally resting.

Nanny Li quietly retreated from the Scented Agarwood Courtyard, her steps hurried as she crossed the long corridor toward the princess consort’s chambers.

Princess Consort Zhao had known the moment her son returned to the estate, he had gone straight to his own courtyard to indulge in passion with Li Xiang. She had originally ordered dinner to be prepared, but it seemed it would go uneaten.

With a wave of her hand, Princess Consort Zhao dismissed the attendants. Nanny Li quickly stepped forward, kneeling before her, and recounted the young master’s and Li Xiang’s activities in the room.

Hearing this, Princess Consort Zhao felt a flicker of satisfaction. “The young master is in the prime of his youth, it’s only natural for him to be a bit reckless in bed. Later, fetch him a manual from the treasury so he can study it properly. We wouldn’t want him picking up any vulgar habits from the barracks.”

Nanny Li nodded hastily, but then Princess Consort Zhao added, “Also, bring some Pleasure Pills. Before they… begin, find a way to have her take one.”

Today, Princess Consort Zhao had noticed that Li Xiang didn’t seem particularly eager to conceive Mingxuan’s child. The Pleasure Pills had both fertility-enhancing and aphrodisiac effects, perfect for newlyweds like them.

The reason the Prince of Yan and his consort had agreed to let Li Xiang enter their household was simple: before the war began, they wanted her to bear Mingxuan’s child. It was a precaution, just in case.