Gluttonous Crown Princess - Chapter 30.1

The Fifth Prince and the Sixth Princess both returned to their palaces in the evening. Tao Ti sent Linglong to invite Pei Yan to join her for dinner.

Before long, Linglong returned with a message, saying that Emperor Zhaokang had arranged a small banquet in Taiji Palace tonight and had called for the Crown Prince to accompany him. He would return to the Eastern Palace later.

“Got it,” said Tao Ti upon hearing this. She then sent a eunuch to the imperial kitchen to inform them that they didn’t need to prepare dinner anymore. Having eaten crispy chicken tenders and red bean and taro milk pudding in the afternoon, she wasn’t very hungry at the moment.

However, to prevent herself from getting hungry later in the night, she soaked some glutinous rice, planning to cook a pot of porridge later to fill her stomach.

The nightlife of people in ancient times was boring and quiet. Tao Ti played several rounds of chess with Linglong, then leaned back on a soft cushion to read a novel.

The soft, warm spring breeze wafted in through the partially open lattice window, making one feel drowsy and dreamy. Just as Tao Ti’s eyelids were fiercely battling to stay open, she heard some noises coming from outside.

Her head nodded off sharply, and she woke up abruptly. Still a bit groggy, she said softly, “Linglong, what’s happening outside?”

Linglong stretched her neck to look outside and said, “It seems like His Highness has arrived.”

“His Highness? Oh… Hmm? His Highness!”

Tao Ti blinked hard, then placed the book aside. She got up from the chaise longue and put on her shoes while asking, “What time is it now?”

“It has just passed the hour of Hai, Crown Princess.”

“The hour of Hai, so that’s nine o’clock in the evening…” Tao Ti muttered softly. She had initially thought that he would return directly to Zixiao Hall to rest after the banquet in Taiji Palace, and didn’t expect that he would come over at this hour.

She had just finished putting on her shoes when Fu Xirui helped Pei Yan into the room.

Pei Yan was dressed in a golden-yellow four-dragon patterned brocade robe, with a gold crown on his head secured by a jade hairpin. This attire made him appear even more dignified and composed. However, at this moment, he was being supported by Fu Xirui, his tall figure leaning slightly, his steps unsteady, like a towering jade mountain that might collapse at any moment.

Surprised, Tao Ti hurried forward, asking, “What happened?”

Fu Xirui explained, “Crown Princess, His Highness had a few drinks tonight, and is probably somewhat drunk now.”

“Quickly, help him to the chaise longue.” Tao Ti stepped aside and looked at Pei Yan’s face, which carried a hint of drunkenness. His peach blossom eyes were slightly open, his pupils dark, deep, and enchanting, like an abyss without end, making it difficult to discern his thoughts.

“How can you drink when you’re not in good health?” Tao Ti said softly, walking to his side. She bent down slightly, and her arm passed before his eyes as she took a soft cushion. “Use this for support, it will be more comfortable.”

Pei Yan cooperated with her movements. His usually clear voice seemed lower and more magnetic, perhaps due to the alcohol. “I’m fine, I only had a few drinks.”

Tao Ti’s bright eyes stared directly at his slightly flushed face. She furrowed her brows and said, “A little wine can be enjoyable, but… for the sake of your health. It’s better not to drink. Moreover, you’ve had just a few drinks, and you can’t even walk steadily. That shows that you have a low alcohol tolerance, so all the more reason you should avoid drinking.”

Listening to her words, Pei Yan’s dark pupils twitched slightly. He cocked his head and asked in a low voice, “Do you drink?”

“I… do.”

“Do you have a good tolerance for alcohol?”

“…” Tao Ti remained silent as she poured a cup of warm water and handed it to him. She thought to herself, I can down a thousand cups without getting drunk, you know. But she couldn’t say that to Pei Yan, as she didn’t know how well the original owner of this body could handle alcohol. After some contemplation, she chose a safer answer, “Well, pretty okay, I guess.”

Pei Yan took the teacup, had a sip, and found that it was chrysanthemum and wolfberry tea. It seemed she didn’t like drinking regular tea and preferred various herbal teas.

“How do you feel now? Should I make you a hangover soup?” Tao Ti was about to get up.

“No need to bother.” Pei Yan reached out to pull her sleeve, looking up at her. He said warmly, “Don’t go, stay with me.”

This action and those spontaneous words left both of them in a momentary daze.

Seeing this, Linglong and Fu Xirui exchanged a glance, lowered their heads and backed out of the room.

Tao Ti thought inwardly, Why are you two going away?! This isn’t what you imagine it to be!

With complicated emotions, Tao Ti looked at Pei Yan. His pale and handsome face was still turned towards her, and those beautiful black eyes seemed to have acquired a layer of hazy light. They were as gentle as water, exuding an irresistible charm.

For some reason, Tao Ti’s cheeks gradually warmed, especially with his fingers still holding onto her sleeve, and the words he had just said, Stay with me…

At this moment, the man in front of her seemed like a little pet that was afraid of being abandoned, pitiful and endearing.

In the past, Tao Ti would never have used the words “pitiful and endearing” on a tall, grown man like him, but now…

She felt her heart pounding wildly; she was somewhat nervous, a little inclined to get closer, yet also feeling an unprecedented sense of confusion.

Want to read more chapters and support us? Please consider becoming a patron to read up to 16 chapters in advance!