Chapter 39: The Rhythm of Perfume
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“Composed by Ming’er?” Consort Zhen chuckled softly upon hearing this. “How much literary talent does Prince Qi truly possess? This poem was likely written by someone else, wasn’t it?”
Li San protested, “Your Ladyship, this time you are truly mistaken. This poem was recited by His Highness himself, and Luluo personally heard it.”
“Is that so?” Consort Zhen remained skeptical, sighing deeply. “Whether it’s true or not, the poem is filled with longing for home. It seems Ming’er misses Chang’an dearly.”
As she spoke, Consort Zhen suddenly covered her face and began to weep softly.
Liu Li glared at Li San. “Her Ladyship has been unwell these past few days, and now you’ve made her cry. You deserve a beating.”
Li San shrank back, remembering what Prince Qi had told him before he left. He said, “Your Ladyship, there’s no need to grieve. His Highness said that he is quite content in Qingzhou. Being far from Chang’an spares him the daily scheming and intrigue. However, Qingzhou is too impoverished. He wishes to revitalize his fief but lacks the funds to do so.”
Consort Zhen, who had been grieving over her beloved son, now remembered the main purpose of Li San’s visit. She sighed, “If only he had realized this earlier. When he was in Chang’an, he never bothered to curry favor with the Emperor. Now he’s scrambling for solutions. Well, I suppose this perfume is different from the usual incense. The Empress might like it. When the time is right, I’ll whisper a few words in her ear, and perhaps the Emperor will remember his paternal affection.”
“Your Ladyship is wise. His Highness said he deeply regrets his past actions. That’s why he specially prepared this Drunken Qingzhou wine, hoping you could present it to the Emperor,” Li San relayed Prince Qi’s instructions.
“I understand. Liu Li, find an inn in Chang’an for Li San to stay for a few days. Once this matter is resolved, he can return,” Consort Zhen instructed.