At noon in the month of August, the radiant sun blazed, casting an intense heat that enveloped the Imperial City in shimmering waves of warmth.
Only the Changle Palace seemed to reside within a shadow, unaffected by the heat. Not only was it not hot, but there was also a faint sense of coolness lingering within.
Jiang Xiaoman was invited into the Changle Palace by Tongguang. This was his second time entering the Changle Palace, which remained as desolate and quiet as he had seen it before. Within the vast palace halls, it seemed that only Rongting and Tongguang were present, serving as the sole occupants.
“Your Highness, the immortal has arrived.”
Jiang Xiaoman saw the Crown Prince, who appeared unchanged from before. Clad in a light, ethereal white garment, he sat at the table like an apparition, his handsome face veiled with a chilling aura.
“Has the Crown Prince eaten dinner already?”
Jiang Xiaoman casually took a seat, and the Crown Prince, indifferent in manner, remarked, “Right when it’s about to be served, you’ve arrived, haven’t you?”
The table remained empty, causing Jiang Xiaoman to wonder if the Crown Prince was considering a meal of mere air. Suddenly, a pair of pale hands quietly appeared, setting two dishes on the table. Surprised, Jiang Xiaoman turned to find Nangong Xue standing beside him. Her expressionless face and striking beauty emitted an unsettling aura within the poorly lit Changle Palace.
Once a perfect match, now resembling mere paper figures of an ideal couple, Jiang Xiaoman couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease.
In his thoughts, he acknowledged his current status and age, equivalent to the Crown Prince’s grandfather. As a grandfather, he felt a responsibility to impart proper guidance to his grandson.
Yet, before he could formulate his approach, his attention shifted to the two dishes on the table. One vegetarian and the other with meat—stir-fried greens adorned one plate while the other contained a savory medley of sliced meat and vegetables.
Had Jiang Xiaoman not recently observed a dozen or so exquisitely crafted dishes in the Empress’s chambers, he might have mistaken the two dishes before him as offerings from a roadside snack stall. Even the meals served at a school cafeteria seemed more nourishing compared to what lay on the table.
“Is this all that Your Highness will be dining on?”
“I’m not particular about it.”
“You should eat more; you’re at an age where nourishment aids growth.” Jiang Xiaoman, observing the Crown Prince’s indifferent expression and recalling the Empress’s likely disapproval of Rongting, couldn’t help but ask in a hushed tone, “Do they… treat you unfairly?”
The Crown Prince, in the midst of lifting his chopsticks, paused upon hearing these words, casting a chilly glance at Jiang Xiaoman.
Upon receiving that glance, Jiang Xiaoman sensed a hint of grievance in the Crown Prince’s eyes, which immediately tugged at his heartstrings. He continued, “The meals at the Tower of Ascension are decent. Henceforth, Your Highness, let us dine together.”
“…”
“How about we leave right now? Grandpa’s treating his grandson to some chicken legs!”
“Tongguang! Have some more dishes brought in!” The Crown Prince, unable to withstand Jiang Xiaoman’s caring gaze, remarked, “The immortal seems quite talkative today.”
Jiang Xiaoman realized he had been more talkative than usual today. However, he pondered that if he intended to support the male lead, the primary concern should be the male lead’s well-being. How could one handle matters if they were unwell? Jiang Xiaoman inquired again, “Does Your Highness usually eat so little?”
“When dining alone, two dishes are sufficient; excessive indulgence only burdens the populace with their toil.”
“But you should pay attention to balanced nutrition. Eating so little, you see, uh…” Jiang Xiaoman had initially intended to mention the Crown Prince’s thinness, but upon closer inspection, he realized that the Crown Prince possessed not only a chiseled face but also a physique akin to that of a male lead—naturally built with muscles, capable of developing abs even while lounging daily. Comparing himself, who appeared rather flabby, Jiang Xiaoman suddenly fell silent.
“Ah.” The Crown Prince perceived Jiang Xiaoman’s contemplation and finally voiced with a touch of amusement, “It appears the immortal is well-versed in such matters.”
“I… follow a frugal diet, hence naturally consuming less.”
The Crown Prince thought to himself, You may not eat much for meals, but you certainly consume a fair share of sweets. There’s a pervasive sweetness about you.
Before long, Nangong Xue brought three more dishes, all of which were meat-based. Now, Jiang Xiaoman finally felt reassured.
However, upon noticing Nangong Xue leaving right after serving the dishes, Jiang Xiaoman couldn’t resist asking, “Isn’t she joining you for the meal?”
Upon noticing Jiang Xiaoman’s gaze once again lingering on the beautiful palace maid, the slight curve that had formed on the Crown Prince’s lips instantly straightened. He spoke sternly, “How would it be proper for me to dine at the same table with a palace attendant?”
Rongting, usually sporting a carefree demeanor, now exhibited the authority befitting a prince of an empire. Jiang Xiaoman couldn’t discern why his reaction was so intense. Caught off guard, he was at a loss for words, unsure of what to say.
Jiang Xiaoman thought, Go ahead and be harsh to her. But when my support fails and you end up chasing after your wife and trying to please her1, it’ll be you facing the consequences.
No one spoke, and an awkward silence lingered in the air.
The Crown Prince dined quietly, not uttering a word. Jiang Xiaoman obediently sat beside him, keeping his head down in silence.
The Crown Prince took a few bites, finding the food utterly tasteless. Observing Jiang Xiaoman’s downcast demeanor, he appeared somewhat aggrieved. The Crown Prince mused to himself, This phony immortal is quite adept at playing the victim, yet he’s in his eighties… Eighties, but with the appearance and temperament of someone not yet eighteen. The Crown Prince found himself momentarily conflicted, unsure whether he should honor the elderly or cherish the youthful.
“The immortal promised to transform into a magnificent tiger for me to witness, did he not?” The Crown Prince initiated the conversation, displaying his reverence for the elderly and fondness for the young.
“Oh… Your Highness is still dining.” Jiang Xiaoman glanced at him briefly and then lowered his head again.
The Crown Prince usually dined alone and didn’t fancy anyone watching him eat. Having Jiang Xiaoman sitting here was something he wasn’t accustomed to.
However, Jiang Xiaoman didn’t disturb him, merely gazing down at his own fingers. Occasionally, he’d softly pinch his palm and play with it, seemingly in a posture of patiently waiting for the Crown Prince to finish his meal.
“Rumble—”
In the quiet room, a sudden sound broke the silence, causing both individuals to pause their actions. Then, another ‘rumble’ followed, clearly emanating from Jiang Xiaoman’s stomach.
Jiang Xiaoman felt incredibly embarrassed. He had just eaten a bunch of snacks, so why was he feeling hungry again? He had hoped that the Crown Prince hadn’t heard it, but when he sneakily glanced up, he noticed the Crown Prince looking at him with a half-smile, as if he knew exactly what had happened.
“Your Highness… Please, continue with your meal. Later, this humble one shall transform into a magnificent tiger for your viewing pleasure…”
“Have you concealed this magnificent tiger within your belly?”
“Not at all!” Jiang Xiaoman widened his eyes and hastily denied it.
Observing Jiang Xiaoman’s earnest denial, Rongting found amusement in the situation. Once more, he signaled, “Someone, provide the immortal with a set of bowl and chopsticks.”
Nangong Xue drifted in expressionlessly and prepared a set of bowl and chopsticks for Jiang Xiaoman. Jiang Xiaoman hurriedly explained, “This humble one is following a frugal diet today and won’t be eating!”
The Crown Prince looked at him and simply said, “Eat.”
With just a single word, there was an undeniable air of authority. Jiang Xiaoman finally sensed the dominance of the crippled Crown Prince. He could only obediently hold the bowl and start eating.
The two ate their meal in silence, neither speaking another word.
Rongting hadn’t dined with someone for a long time, but sitting with Jiang Xiaoman, although initially unusual, gradually felt more natural. Particularly amusing was Jiang Xiaoman’s habit of taking small bites without stopping. On the other hand, Jiang Xiaoman felt a bit of pressure initially eating with the male lead. However, the food turned out to be exceptionally delicious. He hadn’t expected the humble palace meals to be this delightful. With just a few bites, he was completely immersed in the delectable dishes, forgetting entirely that the male lead was seated beside him.
The two finished their meal swiftly, and the moment for Jiang Xiaoman’s transformation into a magnificent tiger was finally approaching.
Rongting leaned back in his chair, one hand propping up his cheek as he watched Jiang Xiaoman roll up the sleeves of his Taoist robe, revealing his fair and tender arms.
“Why the sudden urge to transform into a tiger for me to see?” Rongting asked in a languid tone.
“As this humble one rose at dawn, this humble one cast a divination that suggested today would be propitious for Your Highness to witness the magnificent tiger,” Jiang Xiaoman replied casually while mentally preparing the steps for his magic.
“Oh? What will happen after seeing it?”
“It will bring joy upon seeing it.”
Jiang Xiaoman, prepared and poised, whispered, “Here it comes!”
Jiang Xiaoman took the prepared handkerchief and gently rubbed it in his hand. With a swift motion, he unfolded his palm, conjuring the small orange cat hidden in a concealed pouch.
Initially nonchalant, the Crown Prince’s expression shifted upon witnessing the sudden appearance of the small cat before him.
Jiang Xiaoman always found delight in seeing people’s surprised expressions when performing magic. Now, having garnered a surprised look from the domineering male lead, he felt a sense of satisfaction and couldn’t help but smile to himself.
“Behold,” Jiang Xiaoman lifted the kitten in his arms, “the magnificent tiger!”
No matter how domineering the Crown Prince was, the warm little bundle placed in the palm of his hand softened his demeanor. Observing Jiang Xiaoman’s cheerful expression, the corners of his own mouth involuntarily curved upwards. He chuckled softly and remarked, “Truly a fearsome magnificent tiger. The immortal’s beloved pet holds such majesty.”
The Crown Prince had always been prone to either a sardonic or an eerie laugh, so it was the first time Jiang Xiaoman had seen him laugh so naturally. He noticed an undeniable vitality in the Crown Prince’s demeanor, as if the entire person had come alive. His ink-black eyes sparkled with liveliness, making him even more handsome than before.
Jiang Xiaoman felt reassured by this interaction. Seeing the Crown Prince laugh had significantly lifted his previously gloomy mood.
“Furthermore, this humble one wishes to present something to Your Highness.” Jiang Xiaoman retrieved two pieces of delicate Crystal Osmanthus Cake from his pouch. Aware of their fragile nature and opting against using magic, he gingerly placed them before the Crown Prince.
“Is this an elixir?”
“Your Highness, refrain from fixating on elixirs. They shouldn’t be consumed in excess. This is merely Crystal Osmanthus Cake.”
“Oh, I don’t have a sweet tooth.”
Jiang Xiaoman still remembered the incident when the milk candies were swindled earlier, thinking to himself that it was rather unbelievable for the Crown Prince not to like sweets. However, knowing the connection between the osmanthus cake and the Crown Prince’s mother, he refrained from commenting further. He simply remarked, “If Your Highness doesn’t fancy it, perhaps it could be given to someone else to enjoy.”
Shortly after Jiang Xiaoman departed from the Changle Palace, a box of desserts sent by the Emperor’s order arrived at the Changle Palace.
Perhaps prompted by thoughts of the Virtuous Concubine2 today, that dessert happened to be a box of Crystal Osmanthus Cakes.
Rongting gazed upon the neatly arranged, refreshingly chilled box of Crystal Osmanthus Cakes, then cast his eyes upon the solitary pair left by Jiang Xiaoman on the table. With a graceful gesture, he motioned to Tongguang, “Take these for yourself.”
Tongguang held the large box of osmanthus cakes, expressing helplessness, “I can’t possibly consume so much, Your Highness…”
“Eat them. Should you find it excessive, share it with someone… What was their name, again?”
“Xiao Xuezi.”
“Why choose a name reminiscent of a eunuch?” Rongting remarked in silence. “Take it and share it amongst yourselves.”
“But, does Your Highness not also enjoy Crystal Osmanthus Cakes?”
“I have already eaten.”
After Tongguang took his leave, Rongting walked over to the table, picked up the osmanthus cake that Jiang Xiaoman had left behind, inspected it briefly, and savored its taste in his mouth.
He had yet to sample the osmanthus cake crafted by his mother, and there remained a subtle difference in the rendition prepared by the palace’s culinary artists. Despite the Emperor’s assurance that it was faithfully reproduced, how could he discern the authentic taste of his mother’s creation without having experienced it firsthand?
However, he still sensed something lacking in the osmanthus cake, believing it should not taste that way. While the feeling had been nebulous during his younger years, as he grew older, the sense of discrepancy intensified. Consequently, he refrained from consuming it further.
Yet, inexplicably, after consuming the osmanthus cake today, he suddenly felt that perhaps his mother’s osmanthus cake might have tasted exactly like this.
Perhaps that immortal divined at dawn that today was auspicious for indulging in osmanthus cake.
T/N
still not sure whether it’s Rongting or Rong Ting, but because in the raws his younger brother is written as ‘Third Prince Rongzhe’, i’m pretty sure our ML’s name is Rongting!
1妻火葬场 lit. wife crematorium — it’s slang for when a male protagonist acts arrogantly with the female protagonist and ends up regretting it afterwards, doing a lot of things in order to make up for his previous actions.
2贤妃 xián fēi is an actual title dating from the Tang Dynasty; usually used when talking about consorts who were loved by many. Contextually, it refers to Rongting’s mother.
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