Chapter 4

    The Rivals

    Their first morning as a married couple was less than pleasant. It wasn't the steamy, delicious food prepared by the kitchen staff that soured the mood but rather the owner of the Zhengyang Palace. Both looked away in different directions, creating an awkward atmosphere that made Chen Hua want to stuff her fists in her mouth out of sheer frustration. Zhao Yicheng silently shoveled food into his mouth, pretending as if nothing had happened the night before, almost acting as if she didn't exist in front of him.

    However, every time Chen Hua glanced up, she met his sharp, disdainful gaze, making her want to stuff her fist in his mouth instead. The luxurious breakfast consisted of Chen Hua’s favorites like flavored fish meat, steamed crab meatballs, stir-fried shrimp with bamboo shoots, and candied longans for dessert, yet she just played with her food.

    “Not to your taste?”

    “No, Your Highness... I promised my mother that once I arrived in the capital, I would eat vegetarian for seven days,” she said before shoveling shrimp into her mouth.

    “I thought you were eating vegetarian?”

    “That's right, but I only eat selectively. Vegetarian when I scoop up vegetables. When I find meat, it’s not vegetarian. Understand?” Chen Hua retorted, taking pleasure in annoying him just a bit. Her sweet face belied the mischief brewing within, causing Zhao Yicheng's lips to tighten immediately. Judging by his expression, he probably wanted to smash her head in right then. Chen Hua stuck out her tongue and turned away, both sulking.

    “Go make some tea,” Zhao Yicheng countered. The head servant eunuch moved to brew tea, but he gestured towards the little consort instead. “By tradition, you should make the tea.”

    Chen Hua blinked. “I don’t want tea.”

    Her response hit a nerve, making him doubt whether she was genuinely foolish or feigning it, but judging by physical traits, her flaring nose and flat face seemed to confirm the former.

    “Alright then, go make it.”

    “I don’t know how.”

    “Just do it, remember the loser must obey the winner.” Sighing, Chen Hua grabbed another crab meatball before disappearing for about half an incense stick's time. The head servant eunuch looked at Zhao Yicheng covering his mouth, suppressing a giggle. Where on earth was the tea-making etiquette? He only wanted tea from his wife but had to play dump. After a long wait, when Zhao Yicheng was genuinely thirsty, Chen Hua returned, tiptoeing slowly, meticulously balancing a teacup, trying not to spill. Successfully placing the tea on the table, she sighed in relief, but Zhao Yicheng sighed louder because she had filled the cup to the brim, an uncommon practice that no one did.

    “You could’ve just brewed the tea in a pot and poured it here.” He complained and then took a sip. “Why is this tea so bland?”

    “Probably poured too much water.”

    “Next time, just pour this much. Go make another one.” He patiently instructed. Chen Hua left and returned quicker this time, following his instructions, bringing the tea kettle to the table. But upon drinking, Zhao Yicheng immediately questioned, “Why is it still bland?”

    “Oh, I emptied the pot and brought it here.”

    Everyone in the room burst into laughter. Chen Hua swore seeing Zhao Yicheng look like he was grinding his teeth, wondering why he was so angry. She already told him that she couldn’t make tea, but still forced her to try. Chen Hua then mocked him more provocatively, causing him to become even more furious, flaring her own nostrils and sticking out her tongue before bursting into laughter.

    “Just kidding, here. I made new tea. This time it won't be bland. I was just teasing a bit, and you’re already sulking.”

    Uncertain if she had gone too far, the tall figure abruptly stood up and left. Chen Hua didn't care, holding chopsticks continuing to enjoy her meal. After eating, she went out for a stroll and ran into Zhao Yicheng again, now dressed as a military officer, carrying a crossbow, and wearing a sword at his waist, exuding a majestic aura like a great tiger. The morning sunlight accentuated his dark complexion, the charm of the man intensified, enhancing his allure to an annoying extent.

    Chen Hua was caught staring at his strong hands, her breath hitching at the thought of his warm touch and the peculiar looks he gave her when he thought she wasn’t watching, hinting at an unknown allure that she didn’t yet understand.

    “I’m off to inspect the Imperial Guards,” he paused upon seeing her. “What should a wife say when her husband goes to work?”

    “Ah... Um...”

    "Never mind," Zhao Yicheng led out a pitch-black horse to go somewhere. He swung himself onto the horse with a strength and vigor that made the horse prance elegantly, its mane fluttering in the breeze. Chen Hua tried to look away and turn around, but her feet wouldn't move, and her eyes were fixed on him.

    Chen Hua's cheeks flushed red up to her neck, just thinking about the embarrassing incident from the night before made her feel flustered. Unsure of what to say, she gave a forced smile and quickly turned around. It was frustrating that he also avoided her. Just a smile from her and he would dash off like a storm.

    Pfft! Just wait and see tonight.

    .....................

    Walking around with a retinue was not fun at all. While at the Western Palace, she had the freedom to roam as long as she didn't venture outside. However, at the Zhengyang Palace, Taizi Fei insisted on her always being followed by at least four attendants. Chen Hua wandered around the rock garden, featuring a miniature waterfall, pretending to be alone, just as she pretended that he did not exist.

    Zhengyang Palace had a vast garden, its highlight being the centuries-old ginkgo tree and a rock garden crafted from rocks sourced from Taihu lake. In the clear, broad pond lived a large school of carp that would swarm up for food at the sound of footsteps on the stone bridge. Chen Hua entered a pavilion to admire the garden, in front of which stood a large, sculpted stone lion, beautiful and imposing.

    During the day, Zhengyang Palace seemed more beautiful and welcoming than at night. The history of this palace was long and intricate. She enjoyed the stone-paved walkways under various arches of climbing plants and preferred the long benches in the beautiful garden where one could curl up in the gentle afternoon sun. The vast territory of Zhengyang Palace was second only to the royal palace. Each residence boasted hundreds of exquisite windows. The buildings, constructed from thick stone, provided warmth in winter and coolness in summer. The walls were decorated with embroidered pictures, large pillars painted with a glossy finish, and either large red coral or jade trees displayed in the center of the room to impress visitors.

    Chen Hua wasn't interested in these valuables. She wandered around looking for something until she discovered that from atop the mock hill, she could see the vast, azure sea, its silver waves crashing against the distant cliffs, a breathtaking view. This spot earned full marks from her.

    This place wasn’t too bad. Chen Hua looked down from her high vantage point. The sunlight was casting its rays onto the residence where she and he had spent their wedding night. Her gaze was drawn to one window of a particular room, painted in bright, unusual colors compared to the others, and that room’s corner opened up onto a spacious, delightful garden with beautifully hung crystal wind chimes. This room was peaceful, not crowded like the others, and conveniently had water access, making it the best room in Zhengyang Palace.

    "What room is that? Take me there to see it," she immediately asked upon descending. The maids and attendants all sighed in relief.

    "Taizi has ordered that no one is allowed to meddle in that room."

    Ever since she was young, her curiosity often got her in trouble, even earning her a spanking from her mother, yet she never learned her lesson. But this time, Chen Hua wasn't so eager to uncover the secrets of that Outie Navel. She didn't even want to look at his face, so she moved on, spending the day aimlessly wandering to dissipate some pent-up energy in her chest. Even the entourage following her seemed exhausted from the day's activities.

    "My husband was stiff all night. No matter what I did, he wouldn't soften. I was exhausted too," Chen Hua mused on a way to win. She happened to pass by a group of cooks just back from the market. Their conversation seemed very interesting, so Chen Hua approached, listening intently.

    "What? It's stiffed just from this?"

    "Yeah, I guess I have to tell him to ease up a bit," the cooks whispered among themselves, then chuckled. Chen Hua strained to listen but couldn't quite catch it all. In the end, driven by her desire to win, she overcame her embarrassment and directly asked them for advice. The cooks were taken aback, quickly abandoned their tasks, and bowed in respect.

    "No need for formalities, get up. I... I have something to ask."

    "Please go ahead, Taizi Fei."

    "Stiff... what you were talking about, it means swollen, right?" Chen Hua asked in a whisper, her face serious and stern.

    "Uh... yes, you could say that."

    "Then that's good. What do you do... to make it... stiff... I want to know."

    "What?"

    "I mean, what you were discussing... a husband... being... stiff... what should be done..."

    Chen Hua's face turned red, her limbs twisting and turning like vines. Normally not very articulate, her embarrassment with her nose flaring made it even harder to breathe, let alone speak, leaving the cooks looking at each other in confusion. "You mean what we were just talking about, right? Well, it's… not hard. Just lie down, then try to massage gently with your hand, and then..."

    "And then what? Tell me quickly."

    "And then rub up and down... If that's too difficult, you can use your feet to step on it as well."

    Chen Hua pondered deeply. "Feet can work, too? I don't quite understand. How much pressure should I apply to be effective?"

    "That depends on the person. Some like it harder, others softer. You can easily tell by their reaction. If they cry out in pain when you step on them, it means you're pressing too hard. If they just sigh softly and close their eyes, you're doing it right."

    "Great! I understand now. Thank you so much. Haha, he's done for tonight!" Chen Hua felt a surge of determination and thanked them before cheerfully walking away. Two cooks remained puzzled as the lady consort ran here and there, not even sure if Chen Hua was talking about the same thing.

    "My husband is getting old. He can’t walk much but still insists on doing so, resulting in his legs being stiff and painful, making it hard for him to sleep. I have to massage his legs before bed every night. Even Taizi, still young and firm, suffers from stiff and painful legs like an old man, huh?"

    "Right?"

    Both cooks looked at each other, and then looked back at Chen Hua as she walked briskly away. Despite feeling more confident after learning about ways to arouse, Chen Hua remained confused as she walked around the large pond for the third time. She then stepped out into the sunlight and took the deepest breath she could, inhaling the fragrance of flowers that wafted in the breeze. "I'm married now..." Chen Hua acknowledged this reality. So, there's nothing to be embarrassed about!

    ................................

    Before dinner, the owner of Zhengyang Palace and his entourage returned to the palace. When he did not see Chen Hua come out to greet him, he immediately furrowed his brows in annoyance. "Where is she?"

    "Uh... she might be resting in the rock garden, Your Highness."

    "Go and bring her to see me."

    "Yes, Your Highness."

    At the same time, Chen Hua was still circling the rocky hill, followed endlessly by her entourage until they were dizzy. Looking up at the afternoon sun, she decided to inquire, "When will Taizi return?"

    "Normally, if Taizi is not working at the palace, he would be out attending to various matters. He might return by early evening or perhaps later."

    "Taizi has already returned," a maid hurriedly informed. Chen Hua shrugged indifferently, questioning why told her that, but soon found herself heading towards the main hall. Her lips tightened upon seeing her husband. He had just returned and was enjoying some tea to ease his weariness. Initially, she planned to avoid him upon sight, but for some reason, she ended up greeting him instead.

    "You're… back already?"

    "Um."

    "Ar…are you tired from work?"

    Silence… Both parties were awkwardly quiet until the metaphorical chirping of crickets filled the air. Catching each other's gaze only led to more awkwardness, prompting Chen Hua to quickly broach her request.

    "May I ask for something... dear?"

    Zhao Yicheng raised his eyebrows, surprised at being called 'dear' in her pleading tone. Part of him felt flattered, while another part was suspicious. He stroked his faintly stubbled jaw, pondering. Whether it was food…, toys…, or perhaps bracelets or rings, he was more than willing to provide. But Chen Hua was not one to be fascinated by such things. So, what could she possibly want?

    Then a wild thought crossed his mind... perhaps she sought the warmth and intimacy of a lover's touch, asking him to consummate their union with passion…. With this thought, Zhao Yicheng calmly inquired,

    "What do you want?"

    "I want to raise geese."

    He almost choked on his tea, managing not to spill it. "Why geese?"

    "Well... they seemed pitiful." Chen Hua had wandered around Zhengyang Palace, its southern wall adjoining a slaughter alley. Hearing cries, she peeked through a wall crack and saw poultry being taken to the blade. Among them, she noticed a trembling grey-feathered goose hiding in a cage. It was still just a gosling. "Please... I've already pleaded with the owner to let me keep it."

    "Surely, it's not just the goose?"

    "Uh... there are also three ducks and eight chickens," Chen Hua scratched her cheek. She also had a pig but dared not mention it.

    "That's not happening. My palace isn't a poultry yard... If there are more to be slaughtered tomorrow, will you rush to buy them too? You can't save them all."

    "You heartless man, I knew you'd say that." She brandished a coin defiantly, her tone changing to a commanding one. Chen Hua puffed up immediately to intimidate him. "Since asking nicely doesn't work, I guess we must resolve this by force. I challenge you to a duel."

    Everyone was stunned, especially the elderly eunuch, Diao Gonggong. He alternated his gaze between Taizi and Taizi Fei. Their eyes met fiercely. He imagined a bloody domestic battlefield, recalling reports of the bride's screams the night before, anticipated that they would soon be at each other's throats, exchanging blows with elbows and knees. Rushing to mediate, he implored, "Please, both of you, calm down."

    "Everyone out. This is between her and me," Zhao Yicheng smiled faintly, like a tiger king listening to the cries of kittens. He gently set down his teacup, ordering the servants out and closing the door, leaving the two to confront each other. The young man stood up, his figure tall and imposing, radiating an aura of nobility. Despite her nervous sweat, Chen Hua stood firm, determined to fight.

    "Choose heads or tails?"

    "Heads."

    Chen Hua flipped the coin and caught it on the back of her hand, her heart racing. Tails, tails, please let it be tails... And the result was "Tails!"

    Excellent! She squealed with joy like a victor, stomping her feet rapidly. "Take off your pants right now!"

    "What! Are you crazy?" The towering figure faltered to sit down again before straightening up abruptly. His back stretched immediately. It was still broad daylight. "You can wait until tonight."

    "No more talking. How would we know if it swells or not if you don't take them off? I swear it won't end here if you try to wiggle out of this."

    Oh, what a headache... His handsome face clouded over a bit, and Zhao Yicheng frowned for a moment before bracing himself... Whatever was going to happen would happen. It wasn't the first time he was naked in front of her, after all. They used to bathe together frequently. Deciding boldly, he stood up, unbuckled his belt, closed his eyes, and slid his pants down, completely at a disadvantage.

    "If you're brave enough, touch it. I assure you I won't lose."

    As he sat back down, Ah Good! Last night he was topless; today, it's the bottom half. And the ever-naive lady didn't show the slightest bit of embarrassment, staring intently until he began to respond. Excellent! Since she dared to challenge, he was ready to accept.

    The truth was, Chen Hua was already distracted the moment he slid his pants down to his ankles. She wanted to scream but couldn’t. Her eyes fixated on his muscular thighs, and something covered by dark, fine hair that seemed alive with every movement he made. Her slender frame blinked after a long stare, the proportion of a man made her think of a stallion, with that long, swaying thing. She looked up and asked,

    "Is it swollen now?"

    "No!"

    "It's too big. My brother's is tiny. If it's this big, does that mean you're sick? It must be swollen for sure."

    Hearing this, he immediately felt like the world went dark. Sick with what? He's not a five-year-old! Zhao Yicheng growled, his expression that of a man near death. He wanted to shake her vigorously and tell her not to look at him with such eyes.

    "Will it get longer? Keep growing and growing?"

    "This is a person, not a plant," his teeth gritting. "Do whatever you're going to do, stop asking."

    Chen Hua seriously reconsidered, "Uh... First, lie down... But sitting might work too. Then it needs to be rubbed up and down..."

    "Hey, hey."

    "Do I really have to touch it? Can I not?" Chen Hua mumbled, looking like she was about to cry. He, on the other hand, should have been the one crying.

    "Whether you touch it or not is up to you. I'm going to count down from ten to one. If you don't do anything to me, you lose. Ten... nine... eight..."

    She hesitated, reaching out but retracting her hand before touching, "Yikes, it moves! Ew!"

    And then, quick as a flash, she slapped it!

    She was about to kill him! His muscular body roared with a deep voice, his gaze darting away, wishing him to better fall into hell. His face was boiling red, like coals ablaze, feeling every drop of blood in his body rushing to his masculinity, every bit of him pulsating as if set on fire.

    "Seven... six... five... four..."

    Hold on... Zhao Yicheng clenched his teeth tightly, trying to contain himself. Chen Hua bent down to stare, her lips only inches from him, her soft hand resting on his muscular thigh, and slowly extended a finger to cautiously touch the tip. Zhao Yicheng gritted his teeth, sweating profusely, just a few more moments to endure, just a bit longer. "Three... two..."

    "Aggh! It bounced against my face!" And then she slapped him loud!

    Just like that... she got to keep the geese as she wished.