Chapter 69: I Should Go Underground

The birthday banquet had ended, but Consort Rou’s condition was not well. Besides the red rashes and swelling on her face, she was also experiencing some difficulty breathing.

The Imperial Physician confirmed that the cause of her illness was precisely those Anluo Fruits.

When Chen Kangan reported to the Emperor, he did not avoid others, and all the imperial concubines present heard it.

“Your Majesty, the Imperial Physician also said that Consort Rou’s condition is severe and requires quiet rest.”

Chu Mingheng nodded faintly, signaling the palace attendants to prepare to escort Consort Rou back to Zhaoyun Hall.

A moment later, everyone heard His Majesty call for Consort Shu.

Consort Shu hurriedly stepped forward, bowing her head respectfully and responding with a “Yes.”

Lan Wu noticed that Consort Shu and her entourage had been particularly low-key today—not just today, but for some time now. Perhaps they were plotting something significant?

“Since Consort Rou is seriously ill, you shall oversee the affairs of the inner court.”

Chu Mingheng lightly pinched the cup in his hand, as if toying with it. As he spoke, he glanced below, his gaze finally settling on one person: “Consort Li shall assist in handling matters as well.”

When he mentioned Consort Li, everyone instinctively turned their eyes to where she was seated. Seeing Consort Li’s barely concealed excitement, many wore strange expressions.

Consort Li’s reaction was first one of surprise, then she quickly composed herself, as if struck by immense joy. She hurriedly stepped forward alongside Consort Shu, suppressing the smile on her face and managing to maintain a serious demeanor. Just as she was about to respond, Consort Shu spoke first:

“Your Majesty, Consort Li knows nothing about such matters. Perhaps it would be better to let this concubine…”

Consort Li’s expression shifted slightly. Without waiting for Consort Shu to finish, she respectfully bowed and said humbly, “Although this concubine knows little, she understands the rules. I will need my elder sister to guide me from now on.”

Rules?

The rules were the Emperor’s will.

Consort Shu’s expression stiffened, and she had no choice but to reluctantly agree. When she looked at Consort Li, her gaze was far from friendly.

“That is all for today. Return to your palaces.” With that, Chu Mingheng stood up to leave but noticed Lan Wu had not followed.

He stopped and glanced back.

A few steps away, Lan Wu was still seated at her place. Her eyes were bright under the candlelight as she gently rested her cheek in her hand, seemingly lost in thought. Only when Chu Mingheng looked at her did she seem to snap out of it, hurriedly rising from her seat and appearing slightly flustered as she descended the steps.

“What’s the rush?” Chu Mingheng stepped forward to steady Lan Wu, his hand gripping her arm with a light but firm hold. Lan Wu nearly stumbled.

Chu Mingheng’s expression was unreadable as he carefully observed the silent Lan Wu before him, softly calling her name.

Lan Wu’s only response was to touch her ear. It wasn’t until Chu Mingheng called her a second time that she lifted her head and replied, “…This concubine is here…”

Was she… drunk?

Chu Mingheng noticed her reactions were slower than usual, but she could still understand words and recognize people. She likely wasn’t too heavily intoxicated, so he said nothing more and simply led her out of the hall.

Once outside, the path grew darker. Lan Wu carefully stepped on the ground, but the light, floating sensation still lingered. She found it somewhat novel. In her past life, she had drunk wine before, but she had never consumed much and had never been this drunk.

She couldn’t help but smile, lightly tapping her toes on the ground.

Chu Mingheng matched her slow pace but noticed her playful movements. He glanced at her sideways and asked what she was smiling about.

In the night garden, only the chirping of insects, the croaking of frogs, and the splashing sounds of fish flicking their tails in the water could be heard.

Lan Wu leaned in close and whispered to him, “Because it’s funny…”

Chu Mingheng raised an eyebrow, pulling her into his embrace. “What’s so funny?”

Consort Rou had just fallen seriously ill after eating something wrong, and here she was, laughing joyfully, not even bothering to restrain herself in front of him. Was she this drunk? She wasn’t even pretending anymore.

Lan Wu shuffled her feet forward, speaking with a serious tone, “I can float as I walk.”

Fool, if someone could float while walking, they wouldn’t be human.

Chu Mingheng ignored her.

Seeing that Chu Mingheng was ignoring her, Lan Wu grew anxious and grabbed his clothes. “I really can!”

As she was about to attempt something extraordinary, Chu Mingheng scooped her up first, preventing her from moving recklessly.

Lan Wu felt her vision tilt, making her dizzy. She wrapped her arms around Chu Mingheng and watched as the surrounding scenery rushed past. Gently moving her feet, she leaned close to his ear and whispered, “Look, I’m floating away.”

Chu Mingheng held her, unable to free a hand to discipline her. Hearing her words, he casually replied, “Mm, where do you want to float to?”

Lan Wu looked up and saw countless twinkling stars in the sky, with the moon hanging high above. She pointed upward.

“You want to go to the heavens?” Chu Mingheng turned his head, his gaze lowering, only to see a look of fear and sorrow on Lan Wu’s face.

He held her more securely in his arms, his tone coaxing. “Why are you unhappy now? Weren’t you laughing happily just a moment ago?”

Lan Wu rested her head against the crook of his neck, murmuring despondently, “I should be going underground.”

“Nonsense,” Chu Mingheng frowned. As they reached the shore, the small boat responsible for transporting nobles from Kongshan Garden was already prepared. He carried Lan Wu onto the boat and into the cabin before setting her down slightly, pinching her chin to make her look up.

“What did you mean by what you just said? How can you spout such nonsense?” Chu Mingheng’s tone was harsh, but as he spoke, he pulled Lan Wu back into his embrace, urging her to take back her words.

Lan Wu let his words go in one ear and out the other. Upset by his scolding, she pushed Chu Mingheng away, turned her back, and her shoulders trembled as if she were crying bitterly.

“I order you to take back your words,” Chu Mingheng reached out to grab her again, just as the boat swayed on the water, causing Lan Wu to stumble toward him.

Looking closely at her face, there were no traces of tears—she was still smiling, her audacity immense.

Chu Mingheng restrained himself again and again, remembering it was her birthday today, and refrained from taking action, though his voice remained stern.

Lan Wu then patted her mouth, giving him a perfunctory reply, “Taken back, taken back.””

She grew drowsy, perhaps lulled by the rocking of the boat. Nestled in Chu Mingheng’s arms, she was on the verge of falling asleep.

The palace attendants waiting outside the cabin were on edge for a while, and only when they heard no further sounds from inside did they breathe a sigh of relief.

Gradually, other boats also began heading toward the lakeshore. When they docked, Lan Wu briefly woke up but was carried ashore by Chu Mingheng and placed in the Imperial Carriage.

She rubbed her eyes, trying to stay awake, but as soon as her hands reached her eyes, Chu Mingheng gently pulled them down.

“Your Majesty…?”

Chu Mingheng hummed in response, leaning down to kiss her and urging her to sleep quickly.

“In a moment, I will return to the Imperial Study and come back later. Today, you will move into the main hall—I have already had your belongings moved there.”

After hearing these words, Lan Wu could no longer sleep and immediately sat up.