Chapter 098: Poison Banquet

Night fell swiftly, and a great fire was lit in the imperial garden, flooding the entire open space with such brilliance that it seemed like day. The banquet had already been laid out, awaiting the guests to take their seats. Every gleam and flourish here was the result of Liu Li’s careful arrangements; he was the unseen “kind-hearted” hand behind the design and supervision, though Liu Zhong knew nothing of it.

The Empress Dowager had summoned Liu Zhong in advance and claimed all the credit for herself. She had never been careless in such matters.

Northern Hua had not seen a joyous occasion in a very long time. The Second Prince had not returned for many years, and Consort Dowager Shu had likewise not appeared at any major gathering for ages. After such a long separation, the two were deeply moved and had both dressed with great care, full of energy and anticipation.

Because Consort Dowager Shu had been cloistered in grief for so long, her clothes and cosmetics had grown plain and diminished. Considering her dignity and Liu Zhong’s face, Liu Li sent people to the Northern Garden to have her properly prepared. That took quite a while, so Liu Zhong could only wait to see her at the banquet.

Liu Li had meant it all as a kindness, but the Second Prince credited only the Empress Dowager, since when she spoke with him she mentioned the several splendid robes she had gifted to Consort Dowager Shu. As for his return to the capital, it was, after all, thanks to the Empress Dowager’s counsel and letters that he had been able to come back smoothly, so naturally he was grateful to her as well. Even Consort Dowager Shu had changed her attitude toward the Empress Dowager and become strangely deferential.

Gao Hai had once warned Liu Li that the Second Prince and Consort Dowager Shu seemed to have changed, both leaning toward the Empress Dowager, perhaps because they had misunderstood the Emperor. Would His Majesty like to clear up the misunderstanding to avoid future trouble?

Liu Li had answered calmly that brothers bore no hatred for one another. He had always treated his second brother as a true sibling; how could there be any such thing? Besides, their setting aside old grievances and treating his mother with courtesy was exactly what he wanted. Why think too much about it?

So Liu Li paid no heed to the many questions. He merely held the banquet as usual, hoping Consort Dowager Shu and the Second Prince could meet and reunite. He had never imagined that this banquet would bring him nothing but harm, stirring dissent in many hearts and drawing him deep into a dangerous conspiracy.

As the banquet was about to begin, Liu Li was already seated, waiting for the other honored guests to arrive.

At that very moment, in a dim corner beside the rockeries, Consort Dowager Shu was eavesdropping on a conversation between the Empress Dowager and the Second Prince.

She had already dressed and was on her way to the banquet, when she happened to see a procession of palace attendants in the imperial garden. In the inner palace, only the Empress Dowager traveled with such an entourage, so Consort Dowager Shu followed after them.

“You need not thank me. Separating you from Consort Dowager Shu before was also a matter of necessity. I had state affairs to manage, and I had to rely on those powerful nobles. Yet the counsel they gave was always to remove obstacles. To preserve the lives of you mother and son, I had no choice but to make such a decision. As long as you do not blame me now, there is no need for thanks.”

“Of course I would never blame Your Majesty. Though the separation from my mother has been painful beyond words, it is still better than losing my life! Though I have lived far away at White River, my life has been quite well enough; it was only my mother whom I longed for. These days my health has grown worse and I have missed her more and more. Thanks to Your Majesty’s concern and guidance, I have at last been granted my wish.”

“So long as your health is sound, that is enough. When you see your mother in a moment, your heart will surely be filled with joy. But after so many years apart, it would be easy to grow overexcited and at a loss for words. Truly, the first meeting ought to have been arranged in a quiet place for you to see one another privately. Yet the Emperor insists on doing it this way and must first hold a banquet, so I could not stop him. He must wish to speak with you more.”

“But the Emperor said he hoped my mother and I might be reunited sooner, and that he also wished the meeting to be more grand. At first I thought so as well, but the more I considered it, the less sense it made. I kept worrying that he still suspected the matter of the cold iron arrows. I have only just returned from such a distant place, and my conduct and manners may well be lacking. That was how I fell into the design of those with ill intent. Could it be that the Emperor wishes the same, and intends to make me look foolish before everyone? Still, now that I am about to see my mother, I fear I truly will be too overwhelmed to speak…”

“What? So I was the one who overlooked it? What is to be done? I had thought to let you display your talents, earn merit, and then remain in the palace to keep Consort Dowager Shu company for a long time. How am I to answer to my sister now? During the days you were away, she preferred quiet and dismissed the servants from her chambers. Every time I visited, she mistook me for you and kept calling your childhood name… This is truly troublesome for me!”

“So the Empress Dowager has been caring for my mother all along. I am deeply grateful. I will surely repay Your Majesty well in the future. If Your Majesty wishes to help me remain in the palace, then that is easy enough. Northern Hua still rests in your hands; such a small matter is nothing. I have long wanted to stay by my mother’s side and perform my filial duty, but regrettably no imperial decree ever came. This time, I must seize the chance!”

“Very well. Then you should listen to me. During the banquet, be cheerful with the Emperor, drink with him, and praise him more often. Speak less directly with your mother, lest you lose propriety and invite criticism. If you perform well tonight, I believe your mother will take the initiative to mention it to the Emperor. By then…”

“I understand. I will do my very best! Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Consort Dowager Shu stood frozen in place, not knowing what to do. So the woman had such vicious intent. My son, oh my poor son, I truly cannot bear to leave you. After I die, can you keep your distance from the Empress Dowager? You must not let her use you, and turn you into another me. What… what should I do? If I am truly gone, what will that woman do?

Liu Li watched the Second Prince walking over with the Empress Dowager and could not help smiling.

“It seems Mother and Second Brother get along very well. Second Brother does not even resent Mother. That is truly a good thing. Since the two can live in harmony, perhaps Second Brother should simply remain in the palace. Anyway, Consort Dowager Shu seems to have already turned against us. We might as well do them both a kindness.”

The Empress Dowager and Liu Zhong entered the banquet hall, and Gao Hai helped Liu Li to his feet so he could greet them together.

“Mother, Second Brother, you have come!”

Liu Zhong froze for a moment, then fell to his knees in a full and formal bow. “I pay my respects to Your Majesty!”

Liu Li quickly helped the Second Prince up and said awkwardly, “It has been so long since we last met. Why are you still being so formal with me, Second Brother? This banquet was held for your sake. Sit and rest properly. Do not let Consort Dowager Shu see how worn you look!”

“Many thanks for Third Brother’s gracious hospitality.”

“Please.”

The Second Prince took his seat and gave the Empress Dowager a knowing smile. Liu Li saw it but did not think much of it. He merely raised his cup first to toast the Second Prince’s return and the joy of the family reunion.

After one round of wine, everyone finally awaited Consort Dowager Shu. She came in wearing a set of luxurious silk robes in vivid, splendid colors, her bearing scarcely inferior to the Empress Dowager’s. Her attire and makeup were both elegant and proper, and at once they lit up the quiet beauty that had long lain hidden in her stillness.

The Empress Dowager looked at the clothes she had sent to Consort Dowager Shu and was greatly pleased, nodding with a smile.

The Second Prince stared at her, eyes wide, joy and surprise mingling so fiercely that his eyes grew red.

Liu Li saw everyone so stunned and felt a surge of happiness himself. At last, mother and son had met one another in dignity.

“I pay my respects to Your Majesty and His Majesty!”

“Rise. Take your seat.”

Consort Dowager Shu sat down nervously, glancing at the Second Prince from time to time, only to realize that he too was watching her without pause. Her heart swelled with both sorrow and joy.

This gaze, she thought, would be the last of them all. Tears dampened her robes. Seeing the Second Prince’s tender expression, she hurriedly wiped them away and stood again with composure.

“What a fine and auspicious day. I thank the Empress Dowager and His Majesty for your generous hospitality in welcoming the Second Prince home. Allow me to offer a toast!”

Liu Li and the Empress Dowager lifted their cups and drank in return.

“Today we have both a bright breeze and a clear moon, and we have family reunited after long separation. Consort Dowager Shu and Second Brother should drink and speak as any family would. There is no need to think too much or be constrained by appearances. This banquet was arranged for you, and for the affection of our family. Do not hold yourselves back.”

“Many thanks for Third Brother’s kindness. Then let me offer the first toast!”

The Second Prince looked at Consort Dowager Shu, then turned his gaze to the Empress Dowager. “This first cup is to Your Majesty. Thank you for your repeated mercy and constant concern. Not only have you rendered great service to Northern Hua, you have also always cared for us. I drink first as respect!”

The Empress Dowager smiled and cast a faint glance at Consort Dowager Shu before lifting her cup. “The Second Prince is not only handsome, but also courteous and proper. I rejoice for Consort Dowager Shu.”

As Liu Zhong drank, a palace maid came to Consort Dowager Shu’s side, poured her another kind of wine, and set that flask at the corner of the table.

Consort Dowager Shu looked at it, her hand beginning to tremble uncontrollably, tears forced back with the greatest difficulty.

“The second cup, I toast Third Brother. Many thanks for such a grand banquet and for entertaining your second brother. Over all these years, you have labored for the people and the realm. I have seen it with my own eyes and rejoiced in my heart. How fortunate Northern Hua is to have such an emperor!”

“Thank you for Second Brother’s praise. Your third brother has merely done his utmost to assist Mother. As for protecting the country and benefiting the people, I must thank Second Brother for guarding White River day and night. Please.”

Consort Dowager Shu watched them both finish their drinks and could not help glancing at her own cup. She knew that cup held poison.

That was the plan she had made with the Empress Dowager: after she drank the poison, she would secretly find Liu Li and provoke an argument…

“I know you will have my body hurriedly buried… but I have only just seen my son! The rest may be endured, but how can I be at ease when you make him obey you in everything and even want to pretend to be the good one?”

While Consort Dowager Shu was lost in thought, the Second Prince had already come to stand before her.

Startled, Consort Dowager Shu rose at once and looked at her son standing only a foot away. Her heart was full of unwilling parting.

“The third cup, I toast my mother, who has always waited for her son’s return and never given up.”

The Second Prince drained his wine and looked at Consort Dowager Shu. She smiled, lifted her cup, and said, “It is enough that you have come back. May you always be safe and happy.”

Her hand trembling, Consort Dowager Shu raised the cup and looked once more at Liu Zhong with tender eyes. Then, frowning and closing her eyes, she was just about to drink it all at once.

“Mother!”

Liu Zhong caught her hand and stopped the cup, smiling softly. “Mother does not drink well. Let your son drink it for you.”