Chapter 76: Even the Undying Must Be Maimed

Along the moat, crowds as thick as a mountain of people surged; as the imperial carriage arrived, the frenzy grew, and the people's shouts of "Long live!" rose and fell, the atmosphere was extremely majestic.

Not to mention the Emperor, even Rong Luoge, a person from a later age, felt an inexplicable surge of hot blood watching this scene.

The routes and positions had been arranged in advance: Rong Luoge walked with several princess consorts, at the front the Emperor walked with the Empress, followed by the Crown Prince and Prince Qi, then Consort Ming, virtuous consorts, several concubines and princesses.

On the high imperial platform, the Emperor gazed at his subjects, and an even louder cheer erupted from the crowd. Rong Luoge saw Consort Ming forcing a smile, but her eyes held a trace of displeasure and resentment.

Last year she stood beside the Emperor; this year it was the Empress. How could Consort Ming be happy?

Drums sounded, bugles blew, and the dragon boats on the lake were already poised to launch.

Rong Luoge indeed saw Prince Qi say something unknown, the Emperor burst into a hearty laugh, and then Prince Qi stepped down from the high platform and headed straight toward the dragon boats.

Among the twenty‑some teams, one wearing red stood out, and Prince Qi walked toward them.

At this moment, the court officials and concubines who had come to watch the battle learned that Prince Qi would take the field, and their gazes, consciously or not, fell on the Crown Prince, inevitably implying comparison.

Rong Luoge snickered inwardly, admitting that Prince Qi's move, though low, was very effective.

Han Xinglan seemed to sense something, turned his head, met Rong Luoge's slightly worried gaze, and gave her a gentle smile.

Rong Luoge instantly felt reassured; she now understood Han Xinglan's temperament better than before, and his smile gave her confidence, instantly sparking a desire to watch the spectacle.

When Han Xinglan and Rong Luoge locked eyes, many concubines secretly observing the new Crown Prince Good Lady were surprised; it seemed the Crown Prince was quite fond of this Rong Good Lady.

Chu Ke Ke, standing in the crowd, felt quite sour; who could have imagined that Rong Luoge would have such luck? She nudged her daughter beside her and said, "If you get a chance, go talk to your elder sister, get closer."

Rong Ling Shan: …

"Mother, please calm down, don't cause trouble for elder sister." Rong Ling Shan hurriedly whispered, "Think of Rong Dai."

Chu Ke Ke, frustrated by her thoughtless daughter's blockage, snorted and then said, "Rong Dai wants to come today, but Consort Ming forbids it. I see Prince Qi no longer seems as keen on her as before; if she hopes to become Prince Qi's consort, it may only happen in dreams."

Rong Ling Shan's mouth twitched, "That may not be so. From what I see, Rong Dai doesn't look anxious; she must have confidence. You must not be careless."

Chu Ke Ke knew the situation: she didn't know what Rong Luoge had done, but lately Di Yue Nu and her daughter had been very obedient, and even during this period Rong Dai hadn't been demanding to return to her clan. Whatever the case, that was good for her; she only hoped her son's leg would recover, and would put everything else aside.

Drums suddenly sounded, and Chu Ke Ke and her daughter's attention was instantly drawn, and they looked toward it with the crowd.

When the competition began, everyone cheered loudly, Anqing Princess walked past Rong Luoge with Chang'an Princess, and gave her a cold snort.

Rong Luoge pretended not to see, not giving her a glance; standing before the railing, she watched the water's movement and saw Prince Qi's red team forging ahead, staying in first place.

Tsk, how annoying.

However, the Crown Prince did not join the fight; since Han Yifeng had stepped down, he was bound to have a chance of victory. Rong Luoge was not surprised, but she had no interest in cheering for him.

Ling Yuying pushed through the crowd and said to Rong Luoge, "You seem so carefree."

"Are the princess consorts not carefree?" Rong Luoge was a bit surprised that Ling Yuying came to talk to her.

Seeing Rong Luoge's surprised expression, Ling Yuying helplessly said, "Don't look at me like that, are you some flood beast or something?"

Rong Luoge laughed, "In others' eyes, indeed."

Ling Yuying, hearing Rong Luoge's words, admired her greatly; leaning against the railing like her, she whispered, "These people just can't stand seeing you do well; you don't need to take it to heart."

"I know; after all, given my divorced status, who could have expected me to still be a Good Lady?" Rong Luoge said with a smile.

"Be careful. I saw Princess Zhao Qing together with Yun Shizhuang; Yun Shizhuang has admired the Crown Prince for years, you must be cautious."

"If she has the ability, she can enter the Dong Gong; I just doubt she has it." Rong Luoge sneered, glanced at Ling Yuying, and said, "Even if she fights for her life, it won't work, unless Minister Yun swaps to a cold bench."

Ling Yuying: …

"You really dare to say that."

"We're at least forced to be friends; you kindly reminded me, what is there that I wouldn't dare say."

Ling Yuying smiled, nodded slightly, "She even dreams, thinking the Crown Princess position is within reach."

"No one in the Yun family wakes her up?"

"Who knows? The Yun family has more than just her as a daughter."

That's an interesting point; indeed, in a large clan, many children naturally lead to disputes, since resources are limited. As the legitimate eldest daughter, Yun Shizhuang has a natural advantage; only if she makes a fatal mistake will others have a chance to push her down.

"Prince Qi is going to win." Ling Yuying sighed, "How dull."

"If he wins, he wins; it's not a big deal." Rong Luoge was indifferent, not seeing the Crown Prince take it seriously; the Emperor just wanted to give Prince Qi a golden veneer.

Sure enough, the red team won, and cheers burst from the crowd.

Consort Ming, smiling, turned to the Emperor and said, "His Majesty, Feng Er's hard training these days wasn't in vain; his arms are swollen, but he's worked hard."

Rong Luoge's mouth twitched, and she said to Ling Yuying, "Kids who cry get candy."

Ling Yuying: …

She realized Rong Luoge's temperament was really punch‑worthy, but didn't know whether the Crown Prince knew.

Consort Ming beamed with pride, the Emperor gave a series of special rewards, the Empress kept her smile, and the concubines and court ladies all congratulated together, giving a very impressive display.

Princess Zhao Qing turned back proudly, paused deliberately as she passed Rong Luoge, and smiled, "Rong Good Lady didn't expect that, did you?"

Rong Luoge just didn't get why Zhao Qing had to get so close to her. She smiled and replied, "Prince Qi dares to ask for the banner; he must be confident, otherwise would he go down in disgrace? The princess previously didn't seem to have much confidence in Prince Qi."

"You…" Princess Zhao Qing's smile vanished, she stared coldly at Rong Luoge, her eyes flickered, and suddenly, using the swing of her wide skirt, she kicked at Rong Luoge.

The imperial platform was five or six meters high; falling from here, even the undying would be maimed.