Chapter 41
Alcohol is a curious thing. For someone in a bad mood, it can be a refuge. Even those who don’t usually drink may turn to it when feeling down.
Though it might not solve all problems and can even add to one’s woes, the process of drinking—its burning sensation down the throat and the warmth it brings—can momentarily distract from one’s troubles.
Tonight, Murong Qiufeng found himself turning to alcohol.
Perhaps it was due to the recent emotional turmoil, or the particularly terrible mood he was in today, or some invisible provocation. For whatever reason, he began drinking without hesitation.
Starting with the first glass of someone else’s toast, he accepted every drink that came his way. One glass led to another, then a third, and he drank continuously.
He could handle the alcohol as if it were water, drinking calmly and without changing expression, his smile unwavering. This amazed those offering him drinks with his impressive tolerance.
As he drank more, his confusion deepened. His senses grew muddled, and he couldn’t gauge when to stop. The strange thing about his drinking was that regardless of the quantity, he only ever reached a slight tipsiness. But once he closed his eyes, he would immediately lose all awareness. If not awakened, he would sleep off the effects, but if roused after falling asleep, that’s when true drunkenness began.
Shangguan Ye, while dealing with a woman, glanced over to see Murong Qiufeng drinking more and more. His brows furrowed slightly, but soon his eyes lit up with a glint of expectation.
Everyone present was adept at reading between the lines, and it was obvious there was some discord between the couple. Though they were only a short distance apart, they hadn’t exchanged a single word all night, behaving as if they were strangers. Meanwhile, Shangguan Ye mingled freely with other women, while the consort kept drinking, making it clear to anyone watching that something was amiss.
The Empress kept her gaze on Murong Qiufeng, her brows knitted. She wanted to ask but felt it was inappropriate. They had seemed fine during the day; could they have had a quarrel after leaving? It was a possibility, given her limited but somewhat accurate understanding of her niece’s temperament. Seeing her quiet demeanor today, she had thought Murong Qiufeng had matured, but it seemed she still had the temper of a spoiled young lady. If there was a quarrel, she suspected it would be her niece’s fault.
The Emperor, on the other hand, was in a different mood. Watching the newlyweds, he pretended not to notice anything unusual, but his eyes occasionally flickered with calculating thoughts.
As the banquet continued, the atmosphere remained lively with various talents and performances from the concubines and young ladies. Amidst the revelry, some women began to act more boldly, encouraged by the effects of alcohol.
One such woman stepped forward, boldly addressing Murong Qiufeng.
“I’ve heard that the consort is not only unparalleled in beauty but also exceptional in the arts. I have long wanted to learn from her dance skills but never had the chance. Today seems like the perfect opportunity. Would the consort be willing to perform a dance for us, so we might all witness and learn?”
Murong Qiufeng, his mind clouded by alcohol, was barely aware of his surroundings. Though he was not yet completely drunk, he was close to it, holding his chin with one hand and frowning slightly. The excessive drinking had begun to make him uncomfortable, and he was oblivious to the woman’s request.
The room fell silent, all eyes on Murong Qiufeng. The sight of him, slightly tipsy with a delicate frown and hazy eyes, evoked sympathy and allure, making it hard for others to look away. However, with many women present, there was also a lot of jealousy and discontent.
Seeing that Murong Qiufeng remained silent, the bold woman took it as an opportunity to press further. “Does the consort look down upon us? Perhaps it would be better to perform before the Emperor. With his presence, we would surely get to see a wonderful display.”
“Indeed, indeed,” others echoed.
The Emperor, already captivated, was now fully engrossed in the scene. He was lost in admiration and didn’t truly listen to the women’s chatter. His eyes were fixed on Murong Qiufeng, whose half-closed eyes and drowsy demeanor only heightened the Emperor’s interest. Many of the concubines glared at Murong Qiufeng with growing hostility and jealousy.
Shangguan Ye’s expression darkened slightly. Disturbed by the situation and feeling unsettled, he went to Murong Qiufeng, placing a comforting arm around his shoulders. “My dear consort, you’re quite drunk. How can you drink so much?”
Without regard for the surroundings, he picked up Murong Qiufeng and announced, “Your Majesty, the consort is intoxicated and should not stay. I will take her back to the estate. Thank you all for your attention tonight.”
“Ah, the consort’s health is important. Perhaps it would be better for her to stay in the palace tonight. The journey could be taxing,” the Empress suggested.
“No, the consort may not be comfortable here. The afternoon rest in the palace was already upsetting, leading to her current state. We must take our leave,” Shangguan Ye said firmly, turning to leave.
He ignored the provocative women completely, embodying the highest form of revenge: utter disregard.
Shangguan Ye, who already disliked women and their pretenses, had been patient enough. After dealing with them for over an hour, he was ready to leave.
As the noisy clamor around him abruptly ceased, Murong Qiufeng felt a sudden sharpness in his senses, his dizziness increasing. He groaned softly.
Shangguan Ye, looking down at Murong Qiufeng’s furrowed brows with concern, asked gently, “Are you really feeling unwell?”
“Mm…”
Murong Qiufeng kept his eyes shut, unable to respond clearly, simply groaning in response.
Shangguan Ye sighed, feeling guilty for not having realized Murong Qiufeng’s limited alcohol tolerance and for having allowed him to drink so much. Seeing him in such distress was painful, and he wished it were he who was suffering instead.
“Hang in there. Close your eyes and rest. We’ll head home and get you some hangover remedy. You’ll be fine,” he said, hurrying toward the carriage. Given Murong Qiufeng’s poor condition, he was careful not to let him catch a chill by moving too quickly.
“Lord,” the carriage driver greeted, bowing as he saw Shangguan Ye approach in a hurry.
Shangguan Ye swiftly carried Murong Qiufeng into the carriage, his voice tinged with urgency, “Return to the estate immediately. Speed up.”
