Chapter 20

Chapter 20

[Prince Consort, the Princess Has Been Beaten to Death – 19]

The midday meal was served at the Lü Family residence. Every branch of the family attended, and the atmosphere at the table was harmonious enough.

Princess Qinghe had originally intended to return to her residence that afternoon. But Lü Xiuzhen was talking animatedly with several cousins, and she could not bear to spoil his pleasure. Madam Lü also urged her warmly to remain. Princess Qinghe therefore stayed to converse with the women of the Lü Family and did not depart until after the evening meal.

Lü Xiuzhen drank heavily that night. By the time they left, intoxication showed on his face and his steps were unsteady. He did not ride on the return journey, instead sharing a carriage with Princess Qinghe. The moment they reached the gates of the Princess Manor, he bent over and vomited uncontrollably.

Princess Qinghe hurriedly ordered someone to prepare sobering soup. She and the attendants supported Lü Xiuzhen inside, helped him undress, and wiped him down. After she fed him tea to rinse his mouth, servants brought the sobering soup.

Lü Xiuzhen was deeply drunk. Before a single cup reached his lips, he spilled it across Princess Qinghe’s clothes. The servants urged her to bathe and change, but she refused. She cared for Lü Xiuzhen until he finished the soup and fell into a heavy sleep, then finally went to the inner room to undress and bathe.

She too had endured an exhausting day, leaving early in the morning and returning late at night without rest from beginning to end. After bathing and washing, she lay down on the bed. Only when she studied the handsome profile of the husband beside her did a faint smile appear, revealing the shy happiness of a young bride.

Princess Qinghe carefully slipped an arm around Lü Xiuzhen’s and closed her eyes. She woke from a dream in the middle of the night to discover that at some point, her husband had turned his back to her. Only her arm remained exposed, chilled by the night air.

Suddenly, her heart felt cold too.

Perhaps because worry burdened her thoughts, Princess Qinghe woke very early the next morning. Seeing that her husband still slept, she did not disturb him. She rose quietly and went to the outer room to wash and dress.

More than half an hour passed without Lü Xiuzhen rising. Princess Qinghe sensed something wrong and went into the bedchamber. Her husband was awake, one hand pressed to his forehead. His lips were pale and his expression strained with discomfort.

She was startled. “What happened? Have you caught a chill?” Then she hurriedly instructed those around her, “The Prince Consort is unwell. Summon an Imperial Physician!”

Lü Xiuzhen gazed fixedly at her. Only after a long while did he produce a smile without warmth and say as if blaming himself, “I have caused the princess worry. I should not have drunk so much last night…”

Princess Qinghe said urgently, “Why speak of that now? You need to rest and recover.”

The Imperial Physician and Court Lady Fang from Princess Zhaoyang’s household arrived almost together. The physician went to take the Prince Consort’s pulse. After saluting Princess Qinghe, Court Lady Fang said, “My princess returned to her residence after visiting the Duke of Xing’s Estate and had intended to call upon her elder sister. When she heard you had not returned, she had no choice but to abandon the visit. She instructed me to ask whether anything happened at the Lü Family yesterday. You returned late last night, and this servant did not dare disturb you. I came this morning instead and happened to meet your servants summoning an Imperial Physician.”

Princess Qinghe was deeply grateful for her sister’s thoughtfulness. “Nothing happened. The family was happy to see us and kept us somewhat longer. The Prince Consort became drunk last night and feels unwell this morning. When you return, please thank Jiaojiao for me…”

At that moment, the Imperial Physician came to report. He said gently, “The Prince Consort is not seriously ill. He merely caught cold during the night, allowing a chill to enter his body. Several doses of medicine and a period of rest will restore him.”

Princess Qinghe breathed a sigh of relief. She ordered the servants to escort him out with care, then told Court Lady Fang, “Since the Prince Consort is ill, Jiaojiao should not visit for the next few days. Tell her not to worry. Once he recovers, I will hold a banquet and invite her and her husband to drink with us.”

Court Lady Fang agreed with a smile.

Princess Qinghe then instructed Court Lady Du, “The Prince Consort is ill, and I was beside him last night. I may have been exposed and should not enter the palace. Tomorrow, return with Princess Zhaoyang and report to Imperial Father, Imperial Mother, and my own mother. Tell them I am perfectly well and ask them not to worry.”

Court Lady Du nodded in acknowledgment.

Princess Zhaoyang finally relaxed after Court Lady Fang explained what had happened. Knowing how gentle and accommodating her sister had always been, she could not resist asking, “Is everything truly well with Elder Sister?”

Court Lady Fang smiled. “Everything is well. She has female officials within and household guards without. How could Princess Qinghe possibly be bullied?”

Princess Zhaoyang laughed. “That is true.”

On the third day after the wedding, Princess Zhaoyang and her Prince Consort returned to the palace and went to Empress Miao’s residence to greet her parents. She also said, “Elder Sister’s husband is ill, so she could not enter the palace. She asked me to tell you both that all is well and there is no need to worry.”

Now that she was married, her hair was arranged in a married woman’s style, lending her greater maturity and composure. Her face remained brilliant with energy, vivid and radiant.

Empress Miao nodded inwardly. “What matters in paying respects is the intention. There was never any need to hurry. Once your elder brother-in-law recovers, all four of you may enter the palace together.”

Three days after marriage, a princess returning to the palace was first expected to pay respects at Fengyi Palace. Consort Xian of the Han Clan could not bear to wait and had gone there early. Unexpectedly, the Prince Consort fell ill, and she did not see her beloved daughter or son-in-law.

She was disappointed, but circumstances allowed no other course. She ordered people to return to her palace and prepare wild ginseng and other nourishing medicines for the female official to carry when she left the palace.
Emperor Gaozu’s thoughts ran far deeper than Empress Miao’s. He summoned Princess Zhaoyang and Guo Yangjia to talk for a while. After studying the expressions between husband and wife, he knew the young couple lived happily together. He nodded with satisfaction. “You live near your sister. Send someone to look in on her often.”

Then he instructed the Director of the Palace Eunuchs, “Find some nourishing medicines in the storehouse and deliver them personally to Jingrou’s residence. Have the Head Imperial Physician accompany you and examine the Prince Consort. A few cups of wine brought on an entire illness. This son-in-law of Ours is far too frail.”

The Director of the Palace Eunuchs’ eyes flickered. He bent at the waist and answered respectfully, “Your Majesty may rest assured. This servant will see it done.”

Princess Zhaoyang thought nothing more of her father’s words. She merely pretended indignation and complained, “Father is far too partial! You treat Brother-in-law so well that I’m becoming jealous!”

Emperor Gaozu pointed at Guo Yangjia and laughed. “That is easily solved. If you can bear it, have someone throw your Prince Consort into the pond outside for an hour. The water is cold now. Even a man forged of iron would struggle to endure it. Both are Our sons-in-law, so Your father will show no favoritism. We will send him the same gifts!”

Empress Miao could not suppress her laughter. Guo Yangjia bowed jokingly and begged his wife for mercy. Princess Zhaoyang blushed and clung to his arm. “I could never bear that! Never mind. Elder Brother-in-law can keep the advantage!”

Emperor Gaozu laughed heartily, and everyone in the hall joined him.

The Director of the Palace Eunuchs left the palace on imperial orders and went to Princess Qinghe’s residence. Every servant he saw wore a veil over the face, while others burned medicinal herbs in the courtyard to drive away illness.

Because he came bearing an imperial command, Princess Qinghe personally went out to receive him. She stopped at a distance and said sincerely, “Father’s profound concern has moved the Prince Consort and me to the depths of our hearts. Once the Prince Consort recovers, we will enter the palace to offer thanks.”

The Director of the Palace Eunuchs saw that she looked slightly worn but remained in good spirits. He nodded inwardly, then glanced at Court Lady Du. Understanding his question, she smiled. “The princess is perfectly well.”

The Head Imperial Physician emerged after taking the patient’s pulse and likewise reported that the Prince Consort had caught a chill but was in no serious danger.

The Director of the Palace Eunuchs relaxed. He returned to the palace and reported respectfully, “All is well at Princess Qinghe’s residence.”

“Good.” Emperor Gaozu released a breath. “We would rather have worried for nothing.”

…

Since Lü Xiuzhen was ill, Princess Qinghe remained at his side to care for him. Those around her urged her to rest elsewhere, but she refused firmly. Unable to persuade her, the servants could only obey.

Court Lady Du quietly asked her, “Has the princess still not consummated the marriage with the Prince Consort?”

Princess Qinghe’s face reddened. She lowered her head and gave the smallest shake.

Court Lady Du frowned inwardly. Seeing her intense embarrassment, she asked indirectly, “Has the Prince Consort behaved discourteously?”

“Nothing of the sort.” Princess Qinghe’s lovely face flushed scarlet. She said softly, “The Prince Consort cannot hold his wine. On our wedding day, he was drunk and tired. Seeing that I was weary too, he urged me to sleep. The next day we went to the Lü Family, and he drank himself into that state. After that…”

She was too embarrassed to continue. Hiding her face behind her sleeve, she asked, “You did not tell anyone, did you? How mortifying.”

“How could one discuss such a matter outside?” Court Lady Du comforted her, then added, “Still, it should happen soon. Continuing to delay is not proper.”

Princess Qinghe was unbearably embarrassed. “If the Prince Consort does not mention it, how can I? He is ill now as well. If I were to raise the matter myself… Oh!”

Court Lady Du reflected that the Prince Consort had not yet recovered and that this truly was no time to urge the couple to consummate their marriage. She stopped pressing. “Then wait until the Prince Consort is well.”

Princess Qinghe felt as though she had escaped disaster. She stroked her chest in relief, then gazed toward the inner room with lingering affection, helplessness and disappointment leaking into her expression.

She was a person, not an object. Alongside her gentleness, she was exceptionally observant and careful. Living morning and night beside the husband she admired, she had naturally noticed the coldness and impatience hidden beneath his peaceful exterior.

As for their failure to consummate the marriage… she did not know whether Heaven itself kept interfering or whether he had no desire and deliberately avoided it.

Princess Qinghe’s heart sank, but she refused to reveal it casually to those around her.

If her attendants knew, the palace would inevitably learn. Her mother would worry, and Father would grow angry. If the matter became any larger, it would truly be impossible to contain.

She remembered the pleasure on her husband’s face during their visit to the Lü Family and his impassioned conversation over wine with his cousins. Perhaps he found life in the Princess Manor too constrained and dull. Perhaps her status bound him so tightly that it made him distant and cold.

Would matters improve if he knew they had shared a connection long ago?

Once the thought arose, she could no longer suppress it.

Princess Qinghe considered it from every angle and finally made up her mind. That evening, after she fed Lü Xiuzhen his medicine and the servants withdrew, she asked shyly, “Husband, you have been unhappy ever since our wedding. Is it because you dislike the restrictions of the Princess Manor and find it less comfortable than your family home?”

Lü Xiuzhen frowned faintly. After a pause, he gave a noncommittal acknowledgment.

Princess Qinghe smiled gently, placed her hand over the back of his, and said softly, “If so, the problem is not impossible to solve. After some time, Husband may seek an opportunity for a post outside the capital. Once we leave Chang’an, you and I can live like any ordinary husband and wife in the world, free of the restraints that bind us here.”
Lü Xiuzhen looked at her coldly. Princess Qinghe’s expression was sincere, maidenly shyness glowed on her peach-soft cheeks, and her gaze was gentle as a spring breeze. Remembering her meticulous care and consideration over the past several days, his heart softened for an instant. His voice grew slightly warmer. “The princess understands me so well that I do not know how to express my gratitude.”

Princess Qinghe lowered her lashes. After hesitating for some time, she finally gathered her courage. “Why should husband and wife be so formal with each other? Husband may not remember, but we actually met many years ago…”

Lü Xiuzhen’s heart jolted. The warmth in his eyes swiftly faded. “Oh?”

Princess Qinghe kept her head lowered and did not see the coldness on his face. Lost in memory, she said, “It was seven or eight years ago. Father had not yet declared himself emperor and was only a regional lord. I grew bored at home and went on a spring excursion near Mount Xiao. At the foot of the mountain, I found a severely wounded youth…”

By the time she reached this point, Lü Xiuzhen almost laughed coldly. He pressed his lips together for a long while and swallowed the mockery that had risen to them. In a calm voice, he asked, “What happened afterward?”

“I saved him.” The corners of Princess Qinghe’s lips lifted. “He could not see then and never revealed his name. I thought ours was only a chance meeting between strangers and that we would never meet again. I never imagined…”

She raised her head and gazed tenderly at the handsome husband before her. “I never imagined that years later, the youth I saved would become my husband.”

Lü Xiuzhen’s gaze traveled slowly over Princess Qinghe. Her dark hair was adorned with kingfisher ornaments, her skin was smooth and full, and the noble aura of the Imperial House suffused her entire body. Her brilliance could not be concealed. Then he remembered Gao Yanyan alone outside, her home destroyed and her family dead. Suddenly, the woman before him seemed like a pile of dry bones in a tomb, foul beyond endurance and utterly shameless.

Had she really been the person who saved him?

How could she claim the credit with a clear conscience and brazenly parade her supposed merit before him?

Had he not already met Yanyan and heard her account of the past, this venomous woman might have deceived him today!

Disgust surged through Lü Xiuzhen’s heart, though none showed on his face. He softened his voice and feigned delight. “The little girl who saved me at the foot of Mount Xiao was actually the princess? This truly is…”

He hesitated, pretending to search his memory. “I recall that before we parted, I gave that little girl the jade pendant I carried…”

At the time, Luan Zhenghuan had not yet declared himself emperor, but he was already a prominent regional lord. Empress Miao was no harsh or miserly mistress, and Consort Xian of the Han Clan received additional support from her maternal family. Princess Qinghe had naturally grown up wrapped in silk and fed on jade. She owned if not three hundred jade pendants, then at least ninety. Why would she care about that particular one?

She had also been very young and understood nothing of romantic love. She would never have deliberately treasured it. She simply tied it at her waist like any other ornament, and when it was replaced, her servants naturally put it into the box with all her other pendants. Long ago, she had lost track of which was which.

Jade pendants worn at the waist also inevitably suffered scratches. As designs went out of style and their luster dulled, they were sometimes put away and forgotten.

Now that Princess Qinghe heard him mention it, embarrassment crossed her face. “I was young then and knew nothing of affection between men and women. Although I accepted the pendant, I did not store it carefully. I wore it like the others. After all these years, I can no longer identify which one it was. Had I not seen you during the husband selection, I fear I would never have remembered the matter…”

In other words, she could not find it?

What an extraordinary coincidence!

Lü Xiuzhen’s inward mockery deepened, but his expression remained unchanged. He merely pretended his memory was blurred and said hesitantly, “I recall that you were not alone. Another little girl seemed to be traveling with you…”

Since Princess Qinghe remembered saving Lü Xiuzhen, she naturally had not forgotten her companion, Gao Yanyan. Yet Gao Yanyan had opposed her decision to meddle and save a stranger, then complained repeatedly afterward. She and Lü Xiuzhen had disliked each other and quarreled several times. When Princess Qinghe recalled the past now, she deliberately suppressed those details and did not mention them.

Only when Lü Xiuzhen raised the subject did she say, “Does Husband still remember Yanyan? Her father served as a general under my father, and she was my friend then. On the day we encountered you, she and I had gone out together. We were all young. Husband should not hold those old matters against her.”

Ha. How cleanly she shifted the blame. Every fault belonged to Yanyan, while she alone shone like an immaculate pearl.

Lü Xiuzhen studied her dignified, gentle face and suppressed the urge to vomit. He said falsely, “So many years have passed. What is there to hold against anyone? Since the princess was close to Miss Gao, you might often invite her to the residence for small gatherings. She is part of those old memories, and I would like to see her again and talk together.”

Princess Qinghe’s fine brows drew together. She shook her head. “I fear no such gathering is possible.”

Lü Xiuzhen sneered inwardly, but showed only confusion. “Why? Did Miss Gao marry far away?”

“No.” Princess Qinghe hesitated for several moments before finally saying, “My dealings with Yanyan had already grown sparse during the two years before Father took the throne. Afterward, her father, the Earl of Xingqing, broke the law and was stripped of his title by Father. Not long later, the Court of Judicial Review discovered his involvement in another case, and Father condemned the entire Gao Family…”
Pity appeared on Princess Qinghe’s face, and she did not continue.

Lü Xiuzhen found her hypocritical display of false compassion utterly nauseating. His lips twisted. “Since the princess and Miss Gao were childhood friends, how could you stand by while the Earl of Xingqing was executed and Lady Gao’s entire clan condemned?”

Princess Qinghe had never expected the question. She stared at him for several moments before replying in astonishment, “The Earl of Xingqing lost his title because he violated the laws of the state. If the law were not upheld and discipline restored, how could Father establish his dynasty, reassure the people of the realm, or calm their hearts? Besides, I am only a woman confined within the palace and forbidden from interfering in government. How could I influence Father’s policies?”

Her questions stopped Lü Xiuzhen short. Frustration clogged his chest, and his expression turned remote. “Even so, the princess could at least have protected Miss Gao. You grew up together. How could you bear to watch her family destroyed and her kin killed?”

Princess Qinghe found his words inexplicable. She rose, her expression changing. “Where did the Prince Consort hear such nonsense, that you would speak to me this way? Yanyan and I were once friends, but it is equally true that our friendship ended. We had not dealt with each other for years. The gates between the palace and the outside world are tightly controlled. I learned of the Gao Family’s condemnation only half a year later and through several intermediaries. How could I possibly have protected the family from destruction? Moreover, the Earl of Xingqing murdered innocent civilians and claimed their deaths as military achievements. His crimes were grave, and his victims numbered in the hundreds. I could not protect him from such an offense. Even if I could have, I absolutely would not have lifted a hand!”

Her impassioned speech left Lü Xiuzhen’s face burning as though scorched. For a long while he had no answer. Finally, he hastily gentled his tone and complained, “Even after His Majesty became emperor, he did not forget the bond he had shared with Empress Miao since their humble beginnings. But you became a princess and stopped associating with the intimate friend of your youth.”

Princess Qinghe had already been angered by his earlier words. All her former gentle attentiveness vanished. She sat upon the couch and said coldly, “Her conduct was dishonorable. Naturally, I refused to associate with her.”

Lü Xiuzhen’s brows jumped. “What do you mean by that?”

“The Gao Family has fallen. I imagine her circumstances are miserable. Why should I dredge up old filth now and diminish my own virtue for nothing?”

Princess Qinghe did not answer. Instead, she turned and looked at him. “What about the Prince Consort? Why are you so interested in the Gao Family and so outraged on its behalf? In all the days since our wedding, you have not said as much to me as you have in this single moment!”

During their few days of marriage, Lü Xiuzhen had regarded Princess Qinghe as weak and yielding. He had never imagined that she could speak with such severity.

When husband and wife lived together, either the east wind overwhelmed the west or the west overwhelmed the east.

Now that Princess Qinghe showed unusual force, Lü Xiuzhen softened. With a trace of apology, he said, “I heard someone mention the Gao Family before and formed uneasy suspicions. That is why I asked. If I offended the princess, please forgive me.”

He thought that once he lowered his head, Princess Qinghe would accept the opening and let the matter pass. Instead, her expression sharpened. She stared at him for a long while, unable to believe what she was hearing. “Since our wedding, the Prince Consort has kept me at a distance and refused intimacy. Was it all because of this?”

Lü Xiuzhen had not expected the question. He went rigid for several moments, then had no choice but to nod. “It was related to this…”

Princess Qinghe said nothing for a long while. After studying him, she suddenly laughed coldly. “If doubts filled your heart, you could have asked on our wedding day. You had countless chances after the wedding as well. Why did you remain silent and refuse to voice your resentment until I raised the matter myself? Would moving your lips and asking me one question truly have been so impossibly difficult? Had I not mentioned this tonight, did you intend to glare at me coldly for a lifetime and carry on this way until we died?!”

Her questions silenced Lü Xiuzhen. Unable to answer, he looked awkward and said nothing.

Princess Qinghe laughed at herself. “On our wedding day, you claimed drunkenness and exhaustion and refused to consummate our marriage. The following day, when we visited the Lü Family to pay respects to your parents, you drank yourself insensible. Then you remained ill in bed for days. Was there a single day when I did not care for you with every possible attention? I thought the restrictions and endless rules of the Princess Manor displeased you. I even considered leaving the capital with you. I never imagined that from the beginning, you had no intention of living lovingly beside me for the rest of our lives. You faced me coldly for more than ten days without speaking one sincere word, all because a few sordid suspicions made you doubt me to this extent!”

Her voice caught. Heartsick and chilled, she continued, “Bound as husband and wife, our love should know no doubt. When I chose you as my husband, I believed the Prince Consort to be a man who stood between Heaven and earth-a great and honorable man. I never imagined you would be so petty and narrow-minded… Enough. Enough! Consider me blind in both eye and heart. I saved the wrong man all those years ago!!”