Chapter 54
As the evening progressed and the moon reached its zenith, the banquet was in full swing. The flow of conversations and laughter was continuous, punctuated by the never-ending performances and music, though the musicians were nearing the end of their repertoire.
By this point, everyone was quite tipsy, and the joviality of the event was increasingly revealing people’s true natures. Even Shangguan Ye, who usually maintained his composure, showed signs of inebriation, though the women who rarely drank still managed to retain their clarity.
Murong Qiufeng’s gaze remained fixed on Shangguan Ye for most of the time, his worry growing as he watched him down drink after drink. He was concerned about him getting drunk, as well as the potential harm excessive drinking could cause.
He had previously asked Yang Bo about Shangguan Ye’s behavior when drunk and learned why he acted the way he did.
Despite being the only prince of Yan Kingdom, Shangguan Ye’s rise was not due to his noble status but through his own efforts. The late emperor had many children—twenty-one sons and fifteen daughters—and the palace was once bustling with activity, though it was also filled with an air of death.
Shangguan Ye’s mother, Consort Liang, was from a prestigious family but fell from grace and became a performer before being favored by the late emperor. Despite his affection, Consort Liang was often mistreated and eventually fell out of favor, ending her days in obscurity and withering away in the cold palace.
Shangguan Ye was separated from his mother at the age of two and was raised by the empress, with only occasional visits to see his mother. Each visit revealed a woman who was worn out, with a pallid complexion and an aura of despair, which only fueled his desire to become strong.
Consort Liang’s suffering continued unabated, worsened by her own passive nature, which allowed others to abuse her without consequence. When Shangguan Ye was eight, Consort Liang died of a long illness, but the true cause of her death was widely understood.
By then, Shangguan Ye had matured and understood the ways of the palace. His character, unlike his mother’s, was not passive but waited for the right moment to strike. This trait shaped his future actions, and many of the palace’s figures fell victim to his machinations.
The once lively palace was soon enveloped in deathly silence as power struggles and familial betrayals became commonplace. Everything was orchestrated by Shangguan Ye, who, by the age of ten, exhibited the demeanor of a formidable ruler. By twelve, he had already demonstrated his strategic acumen on the battlefield, earning a reputation and control over his own troops.
The power struggles were brutal and led to many casualties. Had the late emperor not set a final trap that offered Shangguan Ye a bargaining opportunity, the current ruler might not have the throne.
The late emperor, on his deathbed, lamented having created a demon, for all of Shangguan Ye’s actions were a result of the late emperor’s own design. But the emperor’s intentions had deviated, leading to an irreversible outcome.
Shangguan Ye’s true nature emerged on the battlefield, where he could fully embrace his darker side without restraint. His nature was revealed in his drunken state, where his cruelty and ruthlessness were unmasked, making him a feared figure who could decide life and death with a mere glance.
Murong Qiufeng’s presence was a variable, uncertain whether it was a change for Shangguan Ye or for him. Their personalities were almost polar opposites. Yet, Yang Bo saw hope in this, hoping Murong Qiufeng could pull Shangguan Ye out of his darkness or at least be by his side through all the trials, preventing him from dying alone and mad.
Though this hope was somewhat selfish, who among people can truly be selfless?
Murong Qiufeng’s attention was primarily on Shangguan Ye, while others also watched him closely. Her beauty and demeanor, in contrast to the others, drew significant attention. She was like an uncut gem among glittering gold, standing out with her pure and natural elegance.
Such purity attracted those who had long been corrupted, craving redemption. Shangguan Ye, however, remained composed, absorbing the gazes and thoughts of others without revealing his true feelings.
His displeasure would not be immediate but rather manifested in the form of terrifying revenge later, akin to a storm that brews quietly. If not for the layers of protection around Yun Feiyang, his name might have vanished by now.
Tonight, his inner cruelty stirred again, like a long-caged demon slowly breaking free, but this time it was for a single person.
“Your Majesty, Xier has something to say,” a clear, melodious voice cut through the murmur of the banquet. The crowd turned their attention to the girl standing and speaking.
The girl’s beauty, though different from Murong Qiufeng’s serene grace, was radiant and lively. If Murong Qiufeng was a subtle, restrained gem, this girl was a dazzling, vibrant jewel whose charm and sparkle captured everyone’s attention.
The emperor smiled slightly and nodded, “Seventh Princess, please feel free to speak.”
Though Zhao Xi was beautiful, the emperor had no personal interest in her. She was to him just a distant figure. The emperor was shrewd and could remain influential beside Shangguan Ye without becoming a puppet, which spoke of his wisdom. He appreciated beauty but was not blinded by it. Otherwise, Murong Qiufeng would have been taken into the palace long ago.
The emperor’s interest in Murong Qiufeng was not driven by her appearance but by his curiosity about Shangguan Ye’s vulnerabilities. Zhao Xi, in contrast, was seen as ambitious and cunning—a potential source of trouble if brought into the palace. Her cleverness, though significant, was not profound enough to avoid causing trouble, making her a dangerous presence.
