Chapter 80

In the days after the Emperor left, Guan Muyun, feeling distressed, discovered the benefits of drinking.

Whether from loss, sadness, or pain, being drunk helped him forget everything.

When he lived at home, Madam Guan and Duke Ling Guo had strict rules. Now that Guan Muyun lived on his own, they couldn’t discipline him anymore.

He used to look down on wealthy kids who got drunk. He only drank to network and would never stay out intoxicated.

However, after a few outings with friends while drunk, he began to enjoy it. With Shen Ruojin away for days, he felt more alone at home.

This day was the birthday of Guan Muyun’s childhood friend, Li Tian. The Li family sent an invitation early that morning.

Li Tian was the nephew of a close friend of Mrs. Guan. They were close in childhood, but after the Li family fell on hard times, Li Tian was treated poorly at Duke Lingguo’s mansion. After Guan Muyun moved out, Li Tian returned to see him.

Now, Guan Muyun was different from the former Prince of Lingguo. Without many people around him, he was glad to see Li Tian, known for his fun-loving nature.

When they gathered, they usually drank first. Guan Muyun drank a lot that day and forgot his troubles.

He had once criticized those who used alcohol to escape, but now he found it comforting.

After about an hour of drinking, their meal ended. Li Tian clapped his hands, and a beautiful woman entered with two girls.

Guan Muyun noticed these girls were different from typical maids; they seemed to have interesting backgrounds.

He was startled and recalled rumors about Li Tian. He asked, “Could this be… the Yangzhou skinny horse?” ^[1]refers to a term for beautiful women.

“Brother Guan, don’t worry. Your wife is out, and she won’t return for a while. You can bring these girls home. This is the current trend in the capital. To get into high society, you need beautiful women. I know there are some in Prince Duan’s mansion, at the Prince’s villa, and even by Prince Rui’s side.” Li Tian grinned, “These girls are top-notch from the south. Sending them to the influential is a sure way to succeed.”

Guan Muyun remembered that he had been suspended from his position.

The Emperor was away, and it was uncertain when he would return. Even if he did, he might not remember to reinstate him.

Guan Muyun was still young, and the Emperor was healthy. He couldn’t solely depend on the future of Prince Rui. He had to fight for himself.

He heard that Lord Zhao, the Minister of Works, had a private garden in the capital that was just built and vacant.

Though he was suspended by the King of Chu, if Lord Zhao would support him, there was still hope for his return.

Moreover, as Prince Rui grew more powerful and the Emperor was absent, Guan Muyun felt anxious. Since Lord Zhao supported the Prince, sticking close to him wouldn’t violate his agreement with his father.

Thinking this, Guan Muyun waved his hand and said, “Don’t talk. Just give me a proposal.”

The next day, when Duke Ling visited Guan’s house, he saw Nanny Lin and two girls approaching.

Duke Ling, over fifty and experienced, instantly recognized the girls weren’t from good families. He frowned and asked the nanny sharply, “What’s happening here?”

Nanny Lin quickly explained that the young master had arranged for them, and they weren’t meant for him.

Upon hearing that his son didn’t plan to marry them, Duke Ling relaxed a little but still scolded, “It’s not proper to act like this!”

However, he had urgent matters to attend to and didn’t want to waste time, so he went directly to the study to talk to Guan Muyun.

The father and son had not seen each other for many days. Guan Muyun wanted to talk to Duke Ling, but he was surprised when Duke Ling immediately asked, “Your wife has been gone for a long time. Aren’t you worried at all?”

Guan Muyun was confused. He knew his father had never liked his wife, Shen Ruojin, but today he was showing concern.

Guan Muyun had drunk a lot with Li Tian and others the night before, so his head was hurting again.

He rubbed his forehead and asked Duke Ling, “Father, what do you mean?”

“The situation in the capital is unclear, and there are rumors that Prince Rui was attacked and hasn’t gone to the Summer Resort. The prince wants to know what’s happening outside. Since Shen is serving Princess Rui, he wants you to visit her as a relative to find out the truth.”

Guan Muyun thought carefully. The Crown Prince was now in charge as regent, which gave him power. Recently, he had become close to Prince Rui, and his wife, Shen Ruojin, was serving Princess Rui. This was a fact.

If he helped the Crown Prince and brought back news, he could gain some favor when the Crown Prince became emperor and would not be blamed for King Rui’s past actions.

Visiting Prince Rui could work out too. He could help find out what was happening outside and also choose what to tell Prince Rui about the capital without delaying either side.

This was a good deal.

Guan Muyun agreed, “Okay, I’ll go right away.”