The more Yun Wan-shuang thought about it, the angrier she became. Her hand tightened around the teacup before her, a flash of malice and jealousy flickering in her eyes.
“Sister Wan-shuang.”
A woman’s voice sounded beside her. Yun Wan-shuang immediately replaced her expression with a smile, turning to look her up and down. “Ah, Sister A’Yun. You look especially beautiful today—truly eye-catching.”
The Grand Tutor’s daughter, Sun Hanyun, lowered her head shyly, covering her lips with a handkerchief. “You’re beautiful as well, Sister.”
Yun Wan-shuang felt disdain in her heart, though her smile did not falter.
The noble ladies of the capital—one by one, their cultivation weak, yet all putting on such affected airs day after day. How could the Crown Prince possibly take a liking to them?
Just a group of painted, vulgar beauties.
Meanwhile, in the main hall—
As the music shifted into a solemn and majestic tone, the entire hall fell silent. Everyone returned to their seats.
The Emperor and Empress had arrived. All present rose and knelt. “Long live His Majesty! Long live Her Majesty the Empress! We congratulate the Crown Prince—may Your Highness enjoy endless years and boundless health!”
Emperor Chongguang entered with Empress Gu and took their seats at the head, while Xiao Jingchen, dressed in a black robe embroidered with four-clawed dragons, sat to the side, his sleeves swaying lightly.
Only when the Emperor waved his sleeve did he speak. “Rise, all of you. Be seated. Today is my son’s birthday—a family banquet. There’s no need for excessive formality. Let it begin!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Everyone resumed their seats.
At once, the sounds of strings and wind instruments filled the hall. Dancers swept gracefully into the center, their pale skirts swirling like blooming petals. The pipa in the singers’ hands rang out like pearls striking jade.
Seated above, Empress Gu first glanced over the noble daughters present, then turned her gaze to Xiao Jingchen. “Chen’er, how is A’yu feeling today? Why hasn’t she come?”
Xiao Jingchen inclined his head slightly. “Her body is weakened from the blood talisman. She needs proper rest. I’ve arranged storybooks and food for her in the Plum Garden at the rear courtyard. The banquet is noisy—it’s better for her to recuperate.”
The Empress nodded and exchanged a look with the Emperor.
Having been childhood sweethearts and married for many years, they understood each other with just a glance.
The Empress cast a subtle look toward the women’s seats: A’yu isn’t here—why did you invite all these women?
The Emperor gestured subtly toward Xiao Jingchen: Chen’er doesn’t like A’yu. What’s the point of forcing them together? He’s not young anymore—perhaps he’ll take a liking to another girl at this banquet.
Calmly, the Empress lifted her teacup and took a sip. To others, she appeared dignified and composed, but the Emperor alone saw her discreetly extend one finger.
Meaning: What’s the rush? You can’t wait one more year? Maybe Chen’er will grow fond of A’yu by then.
The Emperor turned his head away without replying.
He felt frustrated. Wait, wait, wait—they had already waited three years with no progress. If it didn’t work, it didn’t work. He couldn’t understand why the Empress refused to give up.
At the center of the hall, the dancers completed their final spin and withdrew gracefully.
Several noble daughters seated below began to stir, preparing to showcase their talents. After all, sitting idly wouldn’t draw the Crown Prince’s attention.
At that moment, a young lady in a pale yellow dress rose from her seat and bowed toward the high platform. “Your Majesty, Your Highness, this humble daughter has prepared a dance in honor of the Crown Prince’s birthday. May Your Highness have all your wishes fulfilled.”
As the music began, she extended her flowing sleeves. With each turn, the pearl hairpins at her temples shimmered with scattered light. Combined with her pleasing appearance, her movements were graceful and enchanting. Several princes watched with approval, and many noble sons applauded and praised her performance.
When her dance ended, other noble daughters followed one after another, presenting their talents.
Only Yun Wan-shuang remained seated with composure, her expression filled with disdain.
What difference was there between this and the performances of courtesans meant to entertain?
She had a special bond with the Crown Prince. How could these vulgar, tasteless girls compare to her?
In her eyes, only that shameless Wen Shuyu—relying on her family background—might pose a threat to her becoming Crown Princess. As for the others, she didn’t even consider them worth noticing.
Just then, the maid Yun Wan-shuang had sent out earlier returned and whispered in her ear, “Miss, I saw her. She’s in the bamboo pavilion in the rear courtyard.”
Yun Wan-shuang’s gaze turned cold. Using her low tolerance for alcohol as an excuse to get some air, she rose and quietly left her seat.
In the rear courtyard of the Eastern Palace, beside the lotus pond, within a bamboo pavilion—
Unlike the lively festivities in the front courtyard, bamboo leaves swayed gently in the breeze, drifting down quietly onto the array manual in Wen Shuyu’s hands.
Reclining lazily on a beauty couch, Wen Shuyu half-closed her eyes. Warm sunlight fell upon her porcelain-like skin. Though her complexion appeared pale and weak, her delicate features remained strikingly radiant.
She lifted her slender, jade-like fingers and turned a page of the manual. At once, several palace maids moved—one offered grapes, another presented pastries, while a few eunuchs stood behind fanning her. Her personal maid, Fuling, knelt beside her, massaging her legs.
When Yun Wan-shuang arrived, she saw more than a dozen servants attending to Wen Shuyu alone, as if she were already the mistress of the Eastern Palace.
Her hands clenched into fists, her expression instantly darkening.
No. She would never allow another woman to openly reside in the Eastern Palace before she became Crown Princess—never allow someone to take what should be hers. Wen Shuyu had to leave.
Yet when Wen Shuyu’s gaze turned toward her, Yun Wan-shuang immediately forced a smile and stepped forward.
“Princess, it’s been a while.”
Seeing who it was, Wen Shuyu’s eyes lit up with delight, her smile bright and innocent. “Ah, Sister Wan-shuang…”