Chapter 51: Volume One, Chapter 51 – It

Volume One_Chapter 51 Wanting to make things difficult for you is easier

Perhaps in an unfamiliar place, Rong Luoge's sleep was restless, and she got up before dawn.

The maid attending her immediately lifted the fragrant‑cloud‑colored veil and entered, smiling as she said, "Miss Rong, I will attend to your washing."

Rong Luoge watched as behind that maid followed five or six people, carrying copper water jars, a copper basin, holding a pristine towel, and another maid bearing incense burners and other items, and she couldn't help but be amazed.

The grandeur of an ancient top‑tier wealthy household was truly beyond what she could imagine.

The water in the copper basin was at a comfortable temperature, the towel was soft and exuded a faint fragrance; for the whole face‑and‑hand washing process, Rong Luoge merely reached forward a hand, and the maids' service was exceedingly thorough and attentive.

In comparison, the maids at her own home were like ordinary fire‑tending girls; just thinking of that made Rong Luoge feel pleased.

The lead maid looked at Miss Rong and smiled, sighing with relief inside, fearing that poor service would offend, as they certainly did not want to be punished by the chief steward.

When she sat before the bronze mirror, a dedicated hair‑combing maid stepped forward to attend her, while two other maids brought a chest of gold, silver, jade and various ornaments for her to choose from.

Rong Luoge: …

She was only staying the night.

Previously she wore men's clothing, securing her hair with a single wooden pin; now in women's attire, she selected from her makeup box a pair of the simplest‑looking butterfly silver hairpins, whose wings were light and lively, and a gentle touch seemed as if they were about to take flight.

Rong Luoge fell silent; such craftsmanship was unseen by ordinary people, let alone acquired.

She chose a light‑purple, front‑closing robe‑skirt, its collar and cuffs embroidered with intricate fringe, the hem woven with fine gold threads in a branching‑flower pattern, and when she walked, a faint golden glint

flowed.

A lingering scent of deep‑water incense drifted softly from the celadon‑glazed lotus‑pattern incense burner; Rong Luoge glanced at the burner, noting that such deep‑water incense was reserved for royalty alone.

"Miss Rong, His Highness invites you to the Flower Hall for a meal."

Just as this area was tidied, a round‑faced maid entered, crouching to bow and respond.

Rong Luoge initially thought of leaving outright, but departing like that now seemed too rude; at least she should thank them in person, so she said, "Much obliged, please lead the way."

The round‑faced maid smiled and replied affirmatively, leading the way along the corridor adorned with carved beams and painted rafters.

In daylight the mansion felt entirely different from last night; the garden pavilion under the sun presented a new scene at every step, each corner meticulously carved, passing through the moon‑shaped doorway, then a passage, winding around four one‑year‑scene screens, finally arriving at the Flower Hall.

The rising morning sun filtered through the treetops before the door, bathing the person by the window in warm light; the dark‑colored kirin‑patterned robe made them appear even more noble, waist bound with a jade sash, head crowned with jade, and when they turned at the sound of footsteps, their deep, narrow eyes were as dark as a cold pool, yet upon seeing Rong Luoge they melted like spring snow.

"Luoge, I have met His Highness," Rong Luoge thought the Crown Prince today seemed somewhat different from before, yet she could not pinpoint what was off.

"Miss Rong, please sit," Han Xinglan said in a gentle, soft voice with a smile, "Are you getting used to living here?"

Rong Luoge thought she was only staying for one night, so there was no real habit to speak of, yet she formally thanked the Crown Prince, "Thank you, Your Highness, for lending a hand to save me last night."

"There's no need for such formality between us; after all, Miss Rong also extended a helping hand to me," Han Xinglan's eyes flashed, his smile becoming even more sincere, "What would you like to eat?"

Rong Luoge, as a guest, could not be picky, and immediately said, "Anything is fine, I'm not a fussy eater."

Han Xinglan glanced up at the attendants in the hall; the maid instantly bowed and went out to convey the message, and soon the kitchen staff delivered a table laden with food.

Rong Luoge, more accustomed to porridge in the morning, took a bowl of seafood congee and also picked up a crisp, crumb‑falling round biscuit; such small biscuits were crafted to be very convenient—perhaps because they crumble easily, fearing that nobles might appear ungraceful while eating, so they are the size of a wineglass rim, one bite each.

Rong Luoge thought the kitchen staff were truly skillful; the biscuit was salty, fragrant, soft and crisp, tasting very good.

The other attendants, seeing Miss Rong eat before His Highness had taken a bite, were startled, then quietly observed His Highness's expression, only to find him unchanged, still smiling as he spoke to Miss Rong.

Now the others no longer dared to underestimate this divorced former Consort of the Qi Prince; each watches the other's eyes, the eyes watch the heart, and they dare not act rashly.

"Have you made any plans regarding what we discussed last time?"

Rong Luoge listened to Han Xinglan's words, thought for a moment, then realized he was referring to her marriage, and replied, "I have already thought of a solution: as long as I sever ties with the Zhen Guo Gong Fu, the Protector Duke cannot control my marriage any longer."

"Breaking away is not easy," Han Xinglan said, looking at Rong Luoge, "Do you need my help?"

"No need," Rong Luoge shook her head, not wishing to discuss the matter further, and smiled at Han Xinglan, "Did the thing I gave Your Highness last time meet your expectations?"

When the topic arose, Han Xinglan glanced at the people in the hall; the attendants quickly bowed and stepped back, and he then said, "It's already in progress; the first batch will be ready soon for us to see the results."

Rong Luoge nodded, "This thing isn't very difficult; the main issue is the proportions, and the potency can be made to work."

Rong Luoge spoke lightly, but Han Xinglan's eyes flashed as he asked nonchalantly, "Miss Rong, you are truly modest, yet the proportion issue is a major matter; you haven't seen how grim it is when alchemical priests have their furnaces explode, sometimes costing lives."

Rong Luoge thought that was true; the proportion was not her own invention—she merely stood on the shoulders of predecessors to enjoy the result, and it would be boastful to claim otherwise. In any case, with this item now in Han Xinglan's hands, he effectively controls the initiative; such a forward‑looking weapon holds a different significance for any member of the imperial clan.

Moreover, there's been no word that Han Xinglan intends to present it to His Majesty; it seems he plans to keep it for himself,

"Your Highness, if you encounter difficulties in this area, you may come to me; I will do my utmost," she added, recalling that he had rescued her last night—she has always been grateful and repaid kindness.

"Very well," Han Xinglan replied cheerfully. "Although I know you don't wish to speak much about the Zhen Guo Gong Fu, I still have a word of caution for you."

"Your Highness, please speak," Rong Luoge said.

"Even if you sever ties with the Protector Duke and his household can no longer dictate your marriage, have you considered that without the status of the eldest legitimate daughter of the Zhen Guo Gong Fu, your future path will be far harder? If you were merely an ordinary commoner, whether Consort Ming, Prince Qi, or the Protector Duke, they could more easily make things difficult for you."