Chapter 111: Volume One, Chapter 111 – This Debt Is Recorded

Volume One, Chapter 111  This Debt Is Recorded

Consort Ming felt a sudden tightness in her heart, but her eyes reddened and tears fell. "His Majesty, I have harbored feelings for you for so many years—haven't you known? If anyone in this world wishes your longevity, it is undoubtedly me. How can you doubt me like this?"

Consort Ming wept like falling pear blossoms, pitiful and delicate; the usually strong‑willed emperor softened, patting her shoulder and asking, "Then why bring this up now?"

Consort Ming sighed lightly, "I never intended to ask Your Majesty for this secret edict, but now the Empress grows ever more resentful toward me. You know about Zhong Meiren—back then she slandered me to gain favor. Later, Your Majesty avenged me. She has never been promoted for years. This time Zhong Meiren is pregnant, and I am happy for Your Majesty to have another little prince; it is the best proof of Your Majesty's health. Yet what did the Empress do? She not only guarded against me, acting as if I were a threat to Zhong Meiren, but she even brought Liu Yingying into the palace to seek favor. I am both heart‑broken and frightened. Your Majesty, I have only you to protect me in this life, no one else."

Consort Ming's tone was plaintive yet slightly self‑pitying; her words of attachment and trust gave the Emperor great satisfaction. He smiled and said, "I have already told you, you need not worry about Zhong Meiren's pregnancy; even if she bears a prince, what does it matter? We cannot chase after every trend. Let me think over this matter; it is not a trivial issue."

Consort Ming clenched her teeth at his words; these days she had been painstakingly seeking the Emperor's favor, even lowering herself to please him, yet all she received was another "think about it."

Moreover, the Emperor mentioned only Zhong Meiren and not Liu Yingying, showing that Liu Yingying holds a different place in his heart.

These days she both clung tightly to the Emperor and gave him space to please him, which caused Liu Yingying to be set aside by His Majesty; if she were to seize an opportunity to get close to the Emperor again…

Consort Ming was truly getting a bit anxious.

Before Consort Ming could devise a better plan to loosen the Emperor's tongue, the next day the Emperor, who rarely attended the morning court, was startled by Xiao Shen's folding fan.

The Emperor was very interested in projectiles of this sort, even riding out to the training ground to watch the explosion of a projectile firsthand.

Although some ministers scoffed that it was merely a device larger than fireworks, when a deafening blast created a massive crater in the ground, no one could repeat such words.

Fireworks could never produce that power! If such a thing were used on the battlefield, everyone—not being fools—could guess its impact.

The Imperial Dragon Guard was personally established by the Emperor, and just as it was formed, Xiao Shen presented this treasure; how could the Emperor not be pleased?

The true Dragon Son, indeed blessed by Heaven, can obtain such a divine artifact.

The Emperor's dragon heart was greatly delighted, lavishly praising Xiao Shen, and even when Xiao Shen proposed expanding the Imperial Dragon Guard, the Emperor agreed without hesitation.

The most awkward person present was Prince Qi, who as deputy commander was completely unaware of the matter; under everyone's gaze he tried to keep his composure, yet felt an uneasy premonition.

If he didn't know that Xiao Shen and the Crown Prince had essentially no connection, he would suspect that Xiao Shen was a follower of the Crown Prince.

If Xiao Shen is not the Crown Prince's man, yet he is so guarded against Prince Qi, then whose side is he truly on?

Could it be that Xiao Shen wishes to be a lone wolf, loyal only to the Father Emperor?

Prince Qi's heart roiled like a storm as he stared at Xiao Shen with a gloomy gaze.

Today Xiao Shen truly stole the limelight; by contrast, the Crown Prince, Prince Qi, and the other two princes were all especially dull, with Prince Qi being the most embarrassed.

Rong Luoge naturally heard about today's events; when Han Xinglan returned to the Dong Gong, she specially had the kitchen prepare wine and dishes to share a toast with him in celebration.

The two sat opposite each other; Han Xinglan's gaze toward Rong Luoge was both gentle and warm, causing everyone in the hall to step back.

Shi An personally stood outside the hall doors, under the eave looking up at the starry sky. Having followed His Highness for so many years, he understood His Highness's hardships and restraint; today's glory, though belonging to Commander Xiao, is the preliminary result of His Highness's long‑term scheming.

He was happy for His Highness; His Highness has had it tough.

At the same time, Shi An is one of the few who knows the projectile came from Good Lady's hand; if His Highness someday ascends the throne, he knows Good Lady's future will certainly be secure, and he must show even more respect in the Changxin Palace thereafter.

In the hall, Rong Luoge watched Han Xinglan's happy expression, felt pleased herself, and said softly, "From now on, His Highness's path will become smoother; this is merely the first step."

Han Xinglan lifted his eyes to Rong Luoge, a faint smile curling his mouth, "If others said that, I would take it as mockery, but when you say it, I truly believe it."

Rong Luoge immediately laughed, "His Highness really knows how to cheer people up."

"No, I'm being sincere," Han Xinglan squinted slightly, "Do you remember our first meeting?"

"It wasn't really a meeting, since there was a door between us—you inside, I outside, never even seeing each other's faces." Rong Luoge found it amusing recalling the incident.

"Do you know what I was thinking then?"

"I don't know, but I know that if I were you, and you forced your way in from outside, I would probably have taken action to end you."

Han Xinglan smiled as he lowered his head, seeing that they were indeed kindred spirits.

"So, back then you judged others by yourself and stepped back, right?"

"I suppose so," Rong Luoge said. "My situation wasn't great then; even confronting you might not have succeeded. Besides, you were harmless to me—it was merely a place to hide for a while."

"You at that time…" Han Xinglan recalled that night, his complexion turning a bit off.

Rong Luoge replied calmly, "It was just a bit of aphrodisiac incense."

Han Xinglan, though vaguely suspecting, felt his mood sour upon hearing her say that; he found it hard to imagine how she endured that night.

"Did Prince Qi deliberately drug you?" Han Xinglan said gravely.

Rong Luoge thought for a moment, "I'm not certain either."

Han Xinglan sneered, "This debt is recorded."

Not wanting Rong Luoge to dwell on it, he shifted the topic, "Xiao Shen told me Rong Yan obtained a crossbow blueprint for him; what's your plan?"

Rong Luoge looked at Han Xinglan, "I don't want to steal the spotlight, and it's hard to tell what Protector Duke is scheming. I intend to let Rong Yan rise quickly to contend with him."

"So you placed Rong Yan into the Imperial Dragon Guard and gave him the blueprint, hoping he becomes your external arm, making people think Rong Yan has that talent?"

Rong Luoge just enjoys talking with Han Xinglan here; whatever he says, he can always quickly keep up with her line of thought.