The tip of a bright red tongue swept across the jade cup. Ji Weiqiu tasted the flavor he had been longing for, and closing his teeth, he bit the rim of the cup and leaned back. He had intended to easily get the wine in the cup, but who would have thought Ji Su wouldn't let go. Ji Weiqiu let out a cry of pain, covered his mouth, and stared at Ji Su with teary eyes, whimpering audibly.

It wasn't that Ji Weiqiu wanted to cry, but his body was out of his control! First, his tongue was stung by the strong wine, then it was bitten hard by his own teeth. Before he could even react, tears started streaming down.

Ji Su paused for an almost imperceptible moment, then casually tossed the jade cup out of the pool. The remaining wine spread across the white jade tiles. He pinched Ji Weiqiu's chin to get a look, his brows furrowed as he said, "Let go."

Ji Weiqiu moved his hand away. As his lips moved, a brilliant shade of blood appeared inside his mouth. Ji Su frowned and touched his lips. With a slight bit of force, he pried them open, pinched Ji Weiqiu's tongue, and moved it aside. The blood-streaked saliva was pushed away, revealing the wound beneath.

Ji Weiqiu whimpered out, "It hurts—!"

Ji Su shot him a sidelong glance, with a clear meaning of 'Try yelling again if you dare.' Ji Weiqiu was already intimidated by him, and upon seeing this, he dared not move a muscle. Ji Su took a careful look. The tip of Ji Weiqiu's tongue had a small cut from his teeth, and he found it amusing—it was such a tiny wound, yet Ji Weiqiu had cried out so miserably for it.

The eyes, ears, mouth, and nose are all vulnerable parts of the human body, yet they are extremely important. If it were anyone else, Ji Su wouldn't have cared whether they lived or died, but since it was Ji Weiqiu, he was naturally concerned.

"It's nothing." Ji Su let him go, took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, and wiped under Ji Weiqiu's lips along the way. He couldn't even be bothered to call an imperial physician. He was about to scold Ji Weiqiu when he saw the other man tilt his head and say dizzily, "Brother... Imperial Elder Brother... why did you stick your hand in my mouth? Isn't it gross? Brother, you must not wash your hands with the bathwater, I still have to bathe in it. If-if you wash your hands in the bathwater, I'll have to rinse off again later, it's very... very troublesome."

To say Ji Weiqiu was drunk, he sounded quite serious. But to say he wasn't drunk, he would never dare to say such words normally, not even if he were beaten to death! Complaining about Ji Su being dirty in Ji Su's own bath? Did he have a death wish?!

Ji Weiqiu thought for a moment, then his body suddenly tilted, and most of his weight pressed against Ji Su. He leaned on his shoulder and said cheerfully, "Forget it, I don't mind you, brother!"

Ji Su lowered his gaze and saw that Ji Weiqiu had already fallen asleep against him. He watched him for a long time, and only when the fingertips resting on Ji Weiqiu's shoulder suddenly twitched did he carry the person ashore. The palace attendants, who had been waiting nearby, gently took Ji Weiqiu, helped him change his clothes, dried his hair, and then sent him to a side hall to rest.

Ji Su said flatly, "Seal the Biyun Brew. From now on, it is not to be served again."

"Yes, this slave obeys the decree." Eunuch Qingxi responded respectfully, though he found it strange. The Emperor had favored Biyun Brew because while it was strong as a knife, the feeling of drunkenness it induced was like floating on clouds. He didn't know why, but today, he had ordered that it never be served again.

What happened in Yunchi Palace?

Eunuch Qingxi watched Ji Weiqiu return drunk, wondering if His Highness had said something he shouldn't have while drunk and provoked the Emperor again.

After helping Ji Su get to bed, he went to ask what had happened in Yunchi Palace. Eunuch Xiao Zhuo had already found out and said in a low voice, "Master, they said nothing much happened over there. His Highness was just clamoring to drink Biyun Brew and accidentally bit his tongue. It was just a small cut. The Emperor looked at it himself and didn't even reprimand His Highness."

As for what was said between the Emperor and His Highness, the palace attendants of Yunchi Palace wouldn't reveal a single word, just as Eunuch Qingxi would never reveal what the Emperor said to His Highness in Qingning Hall. They all served their masters; knowing whether their master was in a good mood that day was enough. To probe for more would be seeking their own death, wouldn't it?

Hearing this, Eunuch Qingxi felt that there was no issue. His Little Highness had grown up with the Emperor; how could he so easily incur the Emperor's displeasure? Perhaps the wine was too intoxicating, and since His Little Highness had drunk it, the Emperor was afraid he would become fond of such strong liquor. That must be why he ordered it to be banned.

The next day, before the sky was light, Ji Weiqiu was shaken awake. He vaguely remembered getting drunk and then falling asleep against Ji Su... That wine was truly treacherous; it looked like harmless yellow wine, but drinking it was like taking a sleeping draught, knocking one out with a single cup!

However, he remembered that he behaved well when drunk, so nothing should have happened—as long as he hadn't thrown up in the pool.

He probably didn't throw up. If he had thrown up in the pool, he would have had a hard time getting past Ji Su.

But that wine was quite good; there wasn't even a hint of a headache. He had slept especially soundly. No wonder even Ji Su had a small drink.

"Your Highness, it's time to open your eyes!" a familiar voice prompted.

Ji Weiqiu opened his eyes and looked. "Sister Yun, why are you here?"

"Her Ladyship ordered this servant to come," Palace Attendant Yun replied, beckoning the palace attendants to bring over the newly tailored court robes. Unlike the stiffly tailored one he wore yesterday, today's set was quite loose, breathable, and comfortable. If one didn't look closely, it could be mistaken for casual wear.

Palace Attendant Yun smoothed her skirt and knelt, tying a scented sachet and jade pendant for Ji Weiqiu. "Her Ladyship specifically instructed that it has been a bit stuffy these past few days, so comfort should be the priority. She ordered the seamstresses to work through the night to alter two sets for you. Please wear this for now."

There was a Bureau of Imperial Attire in the palace, but Ci'an Palace had always kept several of the most skilled palace seamstresses. The Empress Dowager's clothes were all made within Ci'an Palace and did not go through the Bureau of Imperial Attire.

"Help me thank Mother Empress," Ji Weiqiu said, beaming. "This is just what I needed."

Palace Attendant Yun said, "Yes."

The sky outside was still dark, and Ji Weiqiu sighed at the sight. Eunuch Xiao Zhuo gestured for Ji Weiqiu to look outside while reminding him, "Your Highness, if you don't leave now, you'll be late..."

Figures were bustling outside the door; it was clear that Ji Weiqiu also had to attend the morning court session.

Ji Weiqiu could only step out the door. Just as he left the hall, he saw Ji Su emerging at that very moment. When Ji Weiqiu saw no anger on Ji Su's face, he breathed a sigh of relief—he knew it, he behaved well when drunk.

"Your subject brother greets Imperial Elder Brother." Ji Weiqiu performed a salute, and Ji Su told him to rise. He followed behind Ji Su and said with a smile, "No wonder Imperial Elder Brother said that wine was strong. It actually made me dizzy with just one cup. After I got drunk yesterday, I didn't offend you, did I, Imperial Elder Brother?"

Ji Su said calmly, "You did not."

Ji Weiqiu gave himself a thumbs-up in his heart. Seeing Ji Su get into his sedan chair, he didn't stand on ceremony and got into his own. He accepted the breakfast Xiao Zhuo brought over, took a bite of a fragrant egg pancake, and lavished praise on Xiao Zhuo, "As expected of someone who serves Imperial Elder Brother, you're so efficient!"

Yesterday, he had casually mentioned to Xiao Zhuo that it would be nice to have an egg pancake to eat on the way to morning court, and today Xiao Zhuo had delivered it. He took off a jade pendant and tossed it to Xiao Zhuo. Xiao Zhuo caught it, overjoyed. "This is such a small matter, how could it be worthy of Your Highness's reward?"

"If I give it to you, then take it. Is this prince really short one jade pendant?" Ji Weiqiu glanced at Xiao Zhuo's basket and saw there were more, so he said, "Go give that to your master."

Xiao Zhuo didn't understand why, but he agreed and quickly trotted to catch up. Eunuch Qingxi accepted the basket, somewhat surprised. Following Xiao Zhuo's explanation, he looked toward Ji Weiqiu. Ji Weiqiu smiled and nodded, so Eunuch Qingxi carried the basket over to Ji Su.

Ji Weiqiu figured that since he had drunk and slept like the dead yesterday, Ji Su, who had also drunk, might have slept just as deeply and probably hadn't eaten breakfast. He thought that it would be exhausting to go in on an empty stomach and listen to what sounded like old men arguing at a vegetable market for two hours, so he decided to present the Buddha with borrowed flowers.

Ji Weiqiu scorned himself for being so pathetic. Maybe Ji Su didn't need it at all. Eagerly trying to curry favor... Forget it, what were two egg pancakes?

Meanwhile, in Taihe Hall, all the ministers had arrived. Prime Minister Liu glanced sideways at Prime Minister Gu, then at Prime Minister Wang. Finally, he looked at the empty seat and asked Prime Minister Gu, "Is His Highness, the Prince of Rui, not attending court today?"

Prime Minister Gu said with perfect composure, "I'm not quite sure about that. No one has reported an illness, so he should be coming, I suppose?"

But if the Prince of Rui didn't arrive soon, he would likely be impeached by a Censor. Although most Censors were upright officials who didn't form factions, it was inevitable that some had ulterior motives. Being late for court could be a major or minor issue. If a Censor insisted on making a big deal out of it and refused to back down, it would indeed be troublesome—and the trouble wasn't the Censor, but the person who would follow the Censor's lead.

Prime Minister Wang did not speak. Prime Minister Gu and Prime Minister Liu exchanged a look and dropped the subject.

Suddenly, a whip cracked three times, and the hall fell silent. The ministers all returned to their positions. A pale gold dragon robe flashed by, followed by thunderous cries of "Long Live His Majesty."

"Dispense with the formalities."

Everyone rose and subconsciously looked toward where the Prince of Rui was supposed to be. The spot was still empty. But they discovered the corner of a deep purple robe next to the throne today. Raising their eyes slightly and looking cautiously, who could it be but the Prince of Rui!

Ji Weiqiu was filled with regret, true regret. Coming with Ji Su was great; no one could say he was late. But how could he have forgotten that Ji Su entered the hall from the rear and then ascended the throne? He had followed Ji Su in, but his seat was down below. Good heavens, was he supposed to walk down the steps under the watchful eyes of the entire court?!

His moment of hesitation caused him to miss the window when everyone was bowing, which would have been the best time to return to his seat. Eunuch Qingxi quietly prompted, "Your Highness, just stand here..."

Ji Weiqiu: "...Alright."

The officials began to discuss matters of state. Ji Weiqiu, with nothing to do, glanced around aimlessly, and his gaze met those of his three high-ranking colleagues.

Ji Weiqiu put on a polite smile.

Prime Minister Gu looked at him with a smile, Prime Minister Liu looked greatly relieved, and Prime Minister Wang met his gaze coldly.

Ji Su slightly raised a hand, and Eunuch Qingxi suddenly brought a memorial and handed it to Ji Weiqiu, giving him a meaningful look. Ji Weiqiu understood the unspoken hint and delivered the memorial into Ji Su's hands.

At the same time, palace attendants also delivered memorials into the hands of the various ministers.

Ji Su said slowly, "Yesterday, Prime Minister Gu presented a policy. My ministers, please review it, and we shall discuss it afterward."

The ministers clasped their hands in thanks before taking the memorials to read. The hall fell utterly silent, then erupted in waves of discussion. Ji Weiqiu was completely bewildered. What on earth had Prime Minister Gu written? How did he not know about this? Weren't they all reading memorials with Prime Minister Gu in the Wenyuan Pavilion yesterday? Didn't they go home after approving them? He had gone to Qingning Hall to find Ji Su so they could go eat at Mother Empress's place together. When did Prime Minister Gu come to deliver this?

Could it have been after he got drunk?

No, but wasn't that almost midnight? Prime Minister Gu came to see Ji Su so late?

Ji Weiqiu was a little curious. He hadn't received a memorial, so he could only crane his neck to look at Ji Su's. Ji Su seemed not to notice, but he opened the memorial on the desk and pushed it slightly in Ji Weiqiu's direction.

The author has something to say:

Everyone can carefully ponder why the Biyun Brew was sealed away~