Chapter Thirty-Four: Sobered from Wine

Inside the bedchamber, the festive red candles still flickered cheerfully, and the burning charcoal filled the room with warmth, forming a stark contrast to the cold and swirling snow outside.

Qin Ruoyan lay upon the bed, watching Ling Zetian sleeping soundly by her side. She had waited for this day for so long, believing he would be happy as well. Yet, she could not sense even a trace of joy from him.

For years, she had known she would marry no one but him; it was his promise that had carried her through. She had often imagined how blissful their wedding day would be, but reality was far from her dreams. Ling Zetian’s attitude toward her had grown colder and more distant, unsettling her deeply. He no longer smiled with the warmth that once belonged only to her, nor did he speak in that gentle tone she cherished. More and more, even when he was physically present, Qin Ruoyan felt as if his heart was long gone, as if he was merely going through the motions.

She raised her hand, gently brushing his face. How many nights had she dreamed of him, how many times had her soul longed for him? Now, at last, he lay so near she could touch his real, tangible form. Yet, the distance between them seemed only to grow, stretching so far that she could not reach him at all.

“Aye, have you forgotten your promise?” Qin Ruoyan murmured softly, her eyes tracing his familiar features. “You said one day you would make me your empress, but now, why have you only made me a consort?”

That night, Feng Qiuji slept soundly and without a care, but those at the Prime Minister’s residence suffered for it. After hearing from Feng Yun’er that Feng Qiuji had climbed over the wall and left, the Prime Minister immediately dispatched servants to search the city, fearing she might come to harm—or worse, that she might cause a scandal which would disgrace their household. It would be best to bring her home as quickly as possible.

Yet, after searching most of the night, there was no sign of her.

The next day

Feng Qiuji woke from her dreams, sitting up to discover her head still spinning from the excessive wine she’d had the night before. But as she blinked her sleepy eyes open, a more pressing question arose: where was she?

As she sat in a daze, the door opened and two adorable girls, no older than thirteen or fourteen, walked in.

“Big sister, you’re awake,” one of them said, coming to the bedside and handing her a blue-and-white porcelain bowl. “This is hangover soup.”

Feng Qiuji looked at her, puzzled. She didn’t seem to know these girls, but she took the bowl and drank it in one gulp. She immediately felt much better. “May I ask, where am I?”

“This is Sakura Residence,” the other girl replied with a bright smile. She set down a basin and a towel. “Big sister, let me help you freshen up.”

Feng Qiuji looked at her in surprise. Sakura Residence? Was this the family home of Sakura Xuanyu? She climbed out of bed, allowing the two girls to help her wash.

It turned out the Sakura family was among the most prominent in the land, with properties scattered throughout the country and, naturally, a grand estate in the capital. Normally, a steward would look after the place, and the household was well-staffed. Whenever matters brought them to the capital, or the emperor summoned them, they would stay here for a few days in comfort. Truly, the rich cared little for such small expenses, indulging in their luxuries while others froze and starved outside their gates.

“Little sisters,” Feng Qiuji asked curiously, “is there something odd about me?” She felt uneasy under their constant, beaming gazes.

“Not at all. It’s just that our young master has never brought a lady home before. You’re the first,” said one.

“Yes, and not only is our young master handsome, he’s very kind. The two of us are orphans. We lost our parents and had no one to rely on. The master took pity on us and made us the young master’s personal maids. He treats us as if we were his real sisters, always bringing us gifts whenever he visits…”

“You’re mistaken…” Feng Qiuji realized at once that the girls had misunderstood her relationship with Sakura Xuanyu. She wiped a bead of sweat from her brow—children in this era were really precocious.

“Mistaken?”

“Yes, he and I are simply good friends. Last night, I drank too much because I was upset and couldn’t go home, so he brought me here to rest.”

The two girls exchanged knowing smiles, convinced that Feng Qiuji was merely shy and unwilling to admit the truth. Seeing that explanations were useless, Feng Qiuji gave up—after all, there was no harm in being rumored to have a handsome man by her side.

“How long have you served Sakura Xuanyu?”

“We’ve been with the young master since we were eight, so it’s been seven years now.”

So, the wealthy in this era liked to take in orphans from a young age.

“Then you must be childhood companions with your young master?”

“Actually, we’ve always lived in the capital, but the young master rarely stays here. He’s always traveling, so we haven’t spent that much time together.”

“But we can tell the young master cares about you.”

“Even so, it’s no use. If you want to be my sister-in-law, I, the little sister, absolutely won’t allow it!” Just then, a familiar voice came from outside the door. Turning, Feng Qiuji saw it was Sakura Hua Luo.

“My lady,” the two maids greeted her with smiles.

“Xiyun, Lianqiu, you’ve finished your work, you may go now.”

“Yes, miss.” After sending them away, Sakura Hua Luo came to stand before Feng Qiuji, propping one hand on the table and pointing at her with the other. “Are you trying to seduce my brother?”

Feng Qiuji nearly spat out her tea. This little girl was certainly blunt—she said whatever came to mind!

Still, Feng Qiuji rather liked her straightforwardness.

“Well? Am I right? Hmph,” Sakura Hua Luo snorted. “Let me tell you, there’s no way. I absolutely won’t agree.”

“A gentleman is open and honest; a petty man frets and broods,” Feng Qiuji stood up, moving the accusing finger away. “Your brother and I are nothing more than friends. He is like a brother to the emperor, and I am the empress—nothing more than that, Miss Sakura. You’re overthinking it. Do you really believe everyone’s mind is as unclean as yours?”

“You—you—you—who are you calling unclean?” Sakura Hua Luo stamped her foot in fury.

She looks quite adorable when she’s angry, Feng Qiuji thought.

“All right, it’s getting late. I should return home. Please thank your brother for me and tell him I appreciate his help, but I’ll be leaving now.” With that, Feng Qiuji left the room, found a servant to guide her out of the Sakura estate, and headed back to her father the Prime Minister’s house.

She had only meant to go for a walk but ended up drunk and spending the night out. If she was caught, the consequences would surely be dire! With these thoughts, Feng Qiuji hurried her steps.

The Prime Minister’s residence stood with its main gates wide open as usual. The moment the two gatekeepers saw her, they rushed inside to report to the Prime Minister.

Thus, the following scene unfolded: as soon as Feng Qiuji set foot inside, she was halted, just like in a drama. “Stop right there!”

“Father.” She didn’t need to look back to know who called her. She turned and greeted him. “I’m home.”

“Where did you go last night?” Standing next to the Prime Minister was the graceful Third Lady.

Feng Qiuji eyed her warily. Of all the household’s wives, this one was the most troublesome—constantly at odds with her mother, the main wife, refusing to show her any respect. Feng Qiuji couldn’t help feeling indignant on her mother’s behalf.

“Oh, I just went out to dinner with a friend and lost track of time,” she replied casually, intent on retreating to her room for a long nap. When life disappoints, sleeping is the best escape.

“What friend?”

“Father, I’m already married. Must you question even my friends?” Feng Qiuji sighed. How utterly old-fashioned—did they have to ask about everything?

“Precisely because you are the empress, you should know to avoid suspicion and not befriend just anyone. If word got out, how would the Prime Minister’s family save face?”

“All right, all right, it won’t happen again,” Feng Qiuji muttered, eager to be rid of him. How troublesome, to be micromanaged like this.

“Come here,” the Prime Minister commanded, nearly fainting with anger at her nonchalance. The obedient and polite girl he once adored seemed gone; now, she didn’t even respect her own father.

“What now?” Feng Qiuji was about to head to her room but, being called back, resigned herself. Well, as the saying goes, one must bow to circumstances. Since she was on someone else’s turf, better to be polite.

She followed the Prime Minister into the main hall, only to find it full of people: the second wife, third wife, fourth miss, fifth young master—such a gathering could only mean trouble.

Suddenly, Feng Qiuji had a premonition: today, she was doomed, and her fate would not be a pleasant one.

---Author’s note: The setting is domestic strife, but I still don’t know how to write it…