Drunk on Madness - Chapter 38

On the rooftop of the prince’s mansion, a figure stood silently, watching the two people below. His gray clothing blended seamlessly into the night.

Su Mo steadied the hand holding his wine jug as he observed the entwined figures inside the room. He had come to check on Li Xiang, worried that she might be mistreated, intending to leave after just a glance. But he never expected to witness such a scene.

He inwardly scorned himself, apparently, they were a loving couple. He had been meddling in something that was none of his concern.

A surge of resentment rose in his heart toward Li Xiang. Why had she given him hope, only to be won over by the prince so quickly? Wasn’t she supposed to resist? Why had she been so eager? His hatred burned fiercely, hatred for Zhou Mingxuan for stealing her away, and hatred for her fickleness and heartlessness.

The night breeze brushed against his cheeks, bringing him a sliver of clarity. He couldn’t bear to watch any longer, afraid that the alcohol might drive him to leap down and disrupt their wedding night.

He replaced the roof tiles and quietly fled the scene.

Once their passion had subsided, the maidservants entered to tidy up the aftermath. Zhou Mingxuan carried Li Xiang to the bathing pool to wash. But as he cleaned her, he couldn’t resist indulging again.

Li Xiang’s head tilted back uncontrollably, her hands pinned behind her back. The splashing water masked the louder sounds they made.

Exhausted, she collapsed against his chest, breathing heavily.

Zhou Mingxuan looked at her, worn out, and reached out to massage her body, hoping to help her relax. But before long, the urge returned, and he succumbed once more.

Li Xiang let him have his way, though in her heart, she wondered when this would ever end.

By the time the room was properly cleaned, Nanny Li glanced at the scene in the bathing pool and realized it would still take a while. She dismissed all the servants.

Dawn was breaking by the time the two finally fell into a peaceful slumber.

The Prince of Yan was occupied with military affairs and left for the barracks before he could partake in the newlyweds’ ceremonial tea. Princess Consort Zhao, having heard from Nanny Li about the commotion in the bridal chamber, was in no hurry to rush them and let them rest properly.

It wasn’t until evening that the couple finally made their appearance, paying respects to Princess Consort Zhao and Zhou Mingxuan’s younger sister. They also met the concubine, Lady Wang, whom Li Xiang had never seen before. By her side were two boys: one eight years old, the other five.

The family gathered for a formal meal, the table laden with an array of exquisite dishes, each a feast for the senses. Zhou Mingxuan occasionally served Li Xiang, and the atmosphere remained warm and harmonious.

The Prince of Yan, seeing his son so attentive, followed suit and placed a piece of sea bass, Princess Consort Zhao’s usual favorite, into her bowl. Startled, she glanced at him before picking up the fish and eating it.

Concubine Wang felt a pang of bitterness in her heart, though her expression remained unchanged as she ate the dishes served to her by her maids.

With the grand wedding of the heir, the Prince of Yan took the opportunity to move back into the mansion.

Princess Consort Zhao, who had once despised the concubine’s presence, had now unexpectedly proposed that Lady Wang and her sons return to the mansion.

Perhaps it was the impending war that made such rare moments of family unity precious. Setting aside past grievances, Princess Consort Zhao simply wanted to sit down and share a few more reunion meals with the family.

After dinner, the family gathered in the front courtyard to watch an acrobatic performance.

The lively beat of drums and music filled the air as the show began with mystifying acts like “sword swallowing” and “fire breathing,” followed by “monkey tricks” and “tightrope walking.”

The most delighted were Lady Wang’s two children, who ran to the Prince of Yan’s side, pointing excitedly at the performers and babbling, “Father, they’re amazing! I want to learn too!”

Usually, whenever the Prince of Yan saw Lady Wang’s children, he couldn’t help but think of Princess Consort Zhao and his other children back in the capital. Unable to resist, he softened toward them. “Study hard first. You can learn these things when you’re older.”

Today, the Prince of Yan only wished to spend quality time with the Zhao family, as it had been far too long since they were last together. He felt he owed Zhao Shi and their legitimate children far too much. Back then, if it hadn’t been for the need to secure the military power of the Wang family, forcing him to marry Lady Wang, he wouldn’t have been separated from his children for eight long years.

Unable to hold back, he said, “Hurry to your mother’s side and enjoy the performance properly.”

The two children refused to obey and continued to plead with the prince, only to be gently pulled aside by Lady Wang, who soothed them.

As if nothing had happened, the Prince of Yan picked up a grape, peeled it, and held it to Zhao Shi’s lips. Without refusing, she took a bite.

Li Xiang was watching intently when a peeled grape was suddenly offered to her as well. Startled, she leaned back slightly. Zhou Mingxuan’s handsome face wore an ingratiating expression as he nudged the grape closer, urging her to eat it.

Just as she was about to take it, Zhou Mingxuan suddenly withdrew his hand and popped the grape into his own mouth. Qingyi, witnessing this, covered her lips with her hand to stifle a laugh.

She was about to tease Li Xiang for falling for her brother’s trick when, to her shock, Zhou Mingxuan leaned in and kissed Li Xiang.

“…”

Qingyi was so startled by her brother’s boldness that she immediately covered her eyes, straightened her posture, and dared not peek again.

Zhou Mingxuan’s gaze spoke volumes, brimming with affection for her. Li Xiang averted her eyes from his intense stare, steadied her emotions, and turned her attention back to the stage. But beneath her sleeve, her hand slowly crept toward Zhou Mingxuan’s waist and pinched him hard.

Zhou Mingxuan swiftly caught her mischievous hand, interlaced their fingers, and pressed it against his chest. His expression remained composed as he watched the performance on stage.

As the family banquet neared its end, the Prince of Yan called Zhou Mingxuan aside for a brief conversation.

The prince got straight to the point: “You’re granted three days of marital leave. Return to the estate in the evenings to accompany your wife. Ensure she conceives your heir as soon as possible. Military affairs will be temporarily handed over to Su Mo, you needn’t worry.”

Zhou Mingxuan’s brow furrowed slightly. He didn’t want a child so soon, he and Li Xiang had just begun their life together and hadn’t yet enjoyed their time as a couple.

Reading his hesitation, the prince stepped forward and patted his shoulder. “War is imminent. Once you’re on the battlefield, won’t you worry about Li Xiang overthinking things alone at home? Besides, giving her a child will secure her position in the estate.”

“Don’t feel pressured. You’re young, there’s plenty of time. I’m merely offering advice. Whether she conceives or not still depends on luck.”

Without waiting for Zhou Mingxuan’s reply, the prince left with his attendants, heading in the direction of Elegant Garden.

He had walked this path countless times before. In the past, whenever he missed his wife and children, he would come and stay for a while.

The prince knew Zhao Shi wanted Mingxuan to father a child soon, so he had privately helped persuade him. During the meal, he had even served her dishes, and she hadn’t refused. This inevitably stirred some hope in him. Now, he wanted to test whether Zhao Shi would allow him to stay the night.

Sitting in the parlor, the prince felt a flicker of nervousness. Nanny Su approached and guided him to the princess consort’s bedchamber. Though in the prime of his life, the prince suppressed his excitement, dismissed the servants, and entered her room with slight hesitation.

Zhou Mingxuan and Li Xiang returned to Agarwood Courtyard. After bathing, they lay in bed. Zhou Mingxuan slowly drew closer, his hands exploring gently.

Afterward, Zhou Mingxuan murmured, “Let’s just sleep like this.”

Li Xiang felt uncomfortable and struggled slightly. Zhou Mingxuan, who had wanted to rest, woke up again helplessly. “Can’t blame me for this,” he said.

Then he kissed her beautiful collarbone.