Yun Wanshuang grew angrier the more she thought about it, her hand clenching the teacup before her so tightly her knuckles turned white. A flash of malice and jealousy flickered in her eyes.
“Sister Wanshuang.”
A woman’s voice called out beside her. Yun Wanshuang immediately replaced her expression with a smile, turning to look the newcomer up and down. “Ah, it’s Sister A’yun. You look absolutely stunning today, truly a sight for sore eyes.”
Sun Hanyun, the daughter of the Grand Tutor, lowered her head shyly, covering her lips with a handkerchief. “Sister, you are also very beautiful.”
Yun Wanshuang felt disgusted inside, but her smile remained unchanged on the surface.
These noble daughters of the capital, each with such shallow cultivation, put on such affected and artificial airs every day. How could the Crown Prince possibly take a liking to any of them?
They were nothing but a bunch of gaudy, common powder and rouge.
Meanwhile, in the main hall.
As the drum and music grew solemn and majestic, the entire hall instantly fell silent. Everyone returned to their positions.
The imperial carriage of the Emperor and Empress had arrived. The crowd rose and knelt on the ground. “Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress! We, your subjects, congratulate the Crown Prince on his birthday and wish him eternal health and prosperity!”
Emperor Chongguang, accompanied by Empress Gu, entered the hall and took their seats on the main throne. Xiao Jingchen, dressed in a black palace robe embroidered with a four-clawed dragon pattern, sat down beside them, the hem of his robe swaying slightly.
Only after Emperor Chongguang waved his sleeve did the ceremony proceed. “All my beloved ministers, rise! Please be seated. Today is my son’s birthday celebration—a family banquet. There is no need for excessive formality. Let the festivities begin!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!” The crowd took their seats.
Instantly, the music of strings and pipes filled the air. Dancers gracefully flowed into the center of the hall, their moon-white skirts swirling like blooming petals. The singers’ pipa notes rang out like pearls falling onto a jade plate.
From her high seat, Empress Gu first surveyed the many noble daughters seated among the female guests. Her gaze then settled on Xiao Jingchen. “Jingchen, how is A’yu feeling today? Why didn’t she come?”
Xiao Jingchen nodded slightly. “She is weakened by the Blood Talisman and needs more rest. I prepared some storybooks and snacks for her in the Plum Garden in the rear courtyard. The banquet is too noisy; it’s better for her to rest.”
Empress Gu nodded and turned to exchange a glance with Emperor Chongguang.
The Emperor and Empress shared a harmonious relationship. Having grown up together and been married for many years, they could understand each other’s thoughts with just a look.
Empress Gu glanced subtly toward the female guests’ seats: A’yu isn’t here. What was the point of inviting all these colorful songbirds?
Emperor Chongguang gestured with his eyes toward Xiao Jingchen: Jingchen does not like A’yu. What’s the point of forcing them together? Jingchen is not young anymore. Perhaps he might take a liking to another woman at this birthday banquet?
Empress Gu leisurely took a sip of tea, appearing dignified and majestic to others. Only Emperor Chongguang saw her subtly extend a finger to form the number “1.”
Her meaning was clear: Are you short of this one year? Why are you in such a hurry? If we wait another year, perhaps Jingchen will come to like A’yu?
Emperor Chongguang turned his head away without a word.
He, too, felt frustrated inside. Wait, wait, wait—they had waited for three years with no progress. If it wasn’t meant to be, it wasn’t meant to be. He didn’t understand why the Empress refused to give up.
In the center of the hall, the dancers made their final twirl and gracefully retreated.
Some of the noble daughters in their seats began to stir restlessly, preparing to showcase their talents. After all, sitting idly here, how could the Crown Prince possibly notice them?
At that moment, a young girl in a goose-yellow dress rose from her seat. She bowed toward the high throne. “Your Majesty, Your Highness, Crown Prince, to celebrate Your Highness’s birthday, this subject has prepared a dance. I wish Your Highness boundless success and happiness in all endeavors.”
The sound of the zither rose, and as she unfurled her water sleeves, the pearl hairpin at her temples cast delicate halos of light with each twirl. Coupled with her pleasing appearance and the graceful sway of her steps, several princes in their seats looked over with satisfaction. Many sons of high-ranking officials also applauded and cheered, offering continuous praise.
Once the dance concluded, other daughters of ministers began to present their talents one after another.
Only Yun Wan Shuang remained poised in her seat, looking down upon each of these women with disdain. What difference was there between them and courtesans who sought to please others?
With the bond she shared with His Highness the Crown Prince, how could these vulgar young ladies from noble families possibly compare to her?
Yun Wan Shuang thought to herself.
In her eyes, only that shameless creature Wen Shuyu, relying on her family background, might become an obstacle to her becoming the Crown Princess. As for the others, she paid them no mind at all.
Coincidentally, at that moment, the maid Yun Wan Shuang had sent out earlier returned, leaning in to whisper in her ear, “Miss, I saw her. She is in the bamboo pavilion in the rear courtyard.”
Yun Wan Shuang’s gaze turned cold. Using the excuse of being unable to handle more wine, she claimed she needed to step outside for some fresh air and rose from her seat.
In the rear courtyard of the Eastern Palace, by the lotus pond, stood a bamboo pavilion.
Unlike the lively clamor of song and dance in the front courtyard, here, bamboo leaves rustled gently in the breeze, quietly drifting onto the Formation Array Manual held in Wen Shuyu’s hands.
On the daybed, Wen Shuyu lay lazily with her eyes half-closed. The warm sunlight fell upon her porcelain-like skin, and though her complexion appeared weak and pale, her exquisite face still radiated a captivating beauty.
She lifted her slender, jade-like fingers to turn a page of the Formation Array Manual. Seeing this, several palace maids nearby offered grapes and pastries, while eunuchs behind her fanned her with fans. Her personal maid, Fuling, was massaging her legs.
When Yun Wan Shuang approached, she saw over a dozen eunuchs and palace maids bustling around Wen Shuyu, as if serving the mistress of the Eastern Palace.
Her palms clenched into fists, and her expression instantly darkened.
No, she would never allow another woman to openly reside in the Eastern Palace and steal her position before she became the Crown Princess. Wen Shuyu must leave the Eastern Palace.
Yet, when Wen Shuyu’s gaze turned toward her, Yun Wan Shuang quickly forced a false smile and walked over. “Princess, it has been many days since we last met.”
Upon recognizing the visitor, Wen Shuyu’s eyes lit up with joy, her smile bright and innocent. “It’s Sister Wan Shuang…”