The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 290 - Zhao Fei Gets Drunk

Fang Yun naturally didn't refuse.

Having given birth more than three months ago, a little alcohol wouldn't be a problem.

Moreover, a bit of drinking could enhance their relationship.

So, she boldly downed the first cup.

The chrysanthemum wine was smooth and easy to drink, but it was still strong alcohol, warming her stomach instantly and making her face flush.

"Looks like you can't handle your liquor. You should drink less. One cup and your face is already red," Pei Yao chuckled.

Fang Yun replied, "I've heard maids gossiping that those who blush easily when drinking actually have a good tolerance. Don't underestimate me. This chrysanthemum wine goes down smoothly."

"Alright, alright. I won't underestimate you. Let me pour you another cup," Pei Yao, in a good mood, said.

He hadn't had such a leisurely drink in a long time. Normally, drinking was a social obligation, exhausting.

Each drank another cup, and then Fang Yun waved her hand.

"No, drinking like this feels a bit dry. Although we can't have music and dance for entertainment now, I know another way to add some fun."

"Oh? Tell me," Pei Yao's interest was piqued.

"Couplet challenge."

Fang Yun playfully winked.

"One of us proposes a line, and the other matches it. We take turns. If the proposer is outmatched, they drink a cup. If not, the challenger drinks a cup. We stop when the wine runs out, or one of us gets drunk and gives up. How about that?"

Their drinking cups were small and delicate, holding just a sip each, making it easy to play this game.

Pei Yao agreed without hesitation, "Alright, you start with the first line!"

The palace attendants outside heard the following exchanges:

"Green mountains, an eternal painting without ink."

"Clear waters, an ancient zither without strings."

"Drink!"

"Poetic thoughts by the spring waters."

"Literary musings among the falling flowers."

"Drink!"

"Deep flowers, shady willows, listening to distant music, leisurely leaving."

"Shallow moon, gentle breeze, counting the city drums, slowly returning."

"Drink!"

As the game continued, the attendants outside could no longer keep up. Qingrong, feeling uneasy, approached Hong Zheng.

"Should we check on them? How much have they drunk?"

"Don't worry. His Majesty can hold his liquor and knows his limits. Besides, those cups are small, just a sip each. It sounds more alarming than it is. If you go in now, you'll spoil their fun," Hong Zheng, more experienced, reassured her.

Seeing this, Qingrong said nothing more but sent a maid to Yuzhang Palace to prepare sobering soup.

During the mourning period, Fang Yun couldn't stay overnight, or there would be gossip.

Inside, after half an hour, the voices gradually quieted.

Though the cups were small, drinking too much still led to intoxication. The chrysanthemum wine, though smooth, was strong and had a powerful aftereffect.

By candlelight, Pei Yao saw Fang Yun's flushed cheeks, her half-closed eyes alluring, like pools of autumn water, captivating.

Resting her face on one hand, a jade bracelet on her wrist, holding a wine cup, her red lips glistened with wine, looking even more enticing.

Her smooth neck, exposed by her attire, seemed to blush slightly, like a delicate flower.

At this moment, it wasn't the wine that intoxicated, but the person.

"You've had enough. Let's stop and eat something," Pei Yao said, placing some food in her bowl.

But Fang Yun shook her head, wobbling as she stood, holding her cup, and approached Pei Yao.

"No, I'm not done yet. I haven't toasted you. Come, Your Majesty, have a drink with me," she said, offering the cup to him.

Pei Yao, seeing her insistence, decided to humor her and drank from her hand.

As soon as he finished, Fang Yun seemed to lose her balance and fell into his arms.

Instinctively, Pei Yao caught her, looking down to see her smiling eyes.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I must be really drunk; I can't stand straight," she said, half-jokingly.

She was indeed drunk but not completely out of it, using the opportunity to tease him.

Pei Yao, holding her waist, tried to help her up, but her arms wrapped around his neck, leaning into his chest.

"Your Majesty, I've toasted you. You must return the favor," she said.

Her warm breath on his neck made Pei Yao's heart race.

"How about another day? You've had enough for today," he coaxed.

"No," Fang Yun shook her head, burying her face in his neck, "Not until you drink."

Her warm breath on his neck made him shiver, thinking she was a temptress.

Unable to resist, he poured a small cup and handed it to her.

Fang Yun, looking at him with half-closed eyes, drank the last cup and then leaned in to kiss him.

Her lips, warm and moist from the wine, carried the sweet fragrance of chrysanthemum, instantly intoxicating him.

Already at the peak of his youth and having abstained for a long time, holding the woman he loved, Pei Yao couldn't resist.

He deepened the kiss, holding her waist.

Fortunately, his self-control prevailed, remembering the special circumstances. Otherwise, he might not have stopped.

Even so, by the time they parted, Fang Yun's clothes were disheveled.

"You're impossible!" Pei Yao said, suppressing his desire, and helped her straighten her clothes.

He couldn't let others see her like this.

Reluctantly, he sent her back.

After so long in mourning, Pei Yao felt the year was too long.

Back at Yuzhang Palace, before drinking the sobering soup, Fang Yun's drunkenness had mostly faded.

"You shouldn't drink so much. Your health is important," Qingrong said with concern.

Fang Yun smiled, "Don't worry, I know my limits."

Of course, she did. Otherwise, how could she have controlled the Emperor while drunk?

After drinking the sobering soup, Yanwei came in.

"Your Highness, Xie Meiren visited Zhongsui Palace today, and then Yun Cainu went to Hongwen Pavilion, where the Third Prince lives. I think she might be planning something for Yang Fei."