The man standing beside her was young—barely past twenty. Tall and graceful, his face was like sculpted jade. From their similar brows and eyes, it was easy to see that the two were mother and son.
He had inherited his mother’s beauty, but there was a cold detachment on his face that seemed out of place for his age. In his long, narrow phoenix eyes, flashes of ruthless sharpness occasionally flickered.
When they saw Ruan Mianmian and the others entering Kunning Palace, Consort Li sighed softly. “Come, we should go as well.”
“Yes, Mother, take care.”
Prince Xiang offered his arm and guided her out of the pavilion. As they descended the steps, Consort Li murmured, “Heaven grant that the girl from the Ruan family truly be worthy of you. Otherwise, how could I ever rest easy?”
“Do not worry, Mother. I’m sure she will be.”
Prince Xiang’s voice was calm. Consort Li shook her head with a faint, bitter smile. “Yes… worthy or not, what difference does it make? It’s only a marriage of convenience—mutual benefit. Since when do you or I get a say in it?”
“Mother need not be upset,” he said softly. “The day will come when you will have a say in everything. Things are complicated now; we must bow our heads for the time being. But once I soar above the nine heavens, who will be able to command you then?”
“It’s that very ambition that worries me.” Consort Li tightened her grip on his hand as they continued walking. “Your father the Emperor—he never shows joy or anger on his face. I can’t tell whether he feels any affection for you at all. My fear is that all our plotting, even with the Empress’s help, might come to nothing—like drawing water with a bamboo basket.”
“Mortal plans, Heaven’s will,” Prince Xiang said evenly, his tall frame straight as a pine. “I’ll do everything I can, and leave the rest to fate.”
“Since I entered the palace, I’ve never returned home. I wonder how things are at the manor these days.”
Kunning Palace glittered with lavish decoration in celebration of the Empress’s birthday. It was still early, so most of the consorts hadn’t arrived yet. After Ruan Mianmian paid her respects to the Empress, the latter invited her to sit by her side for a chat. Madam Chang had gone to Cining Palace to visit the Empress Dowager.
“Everything is well, Your Majesty,” Ruan Mianmian said sweetly. “The Old Madam is in good health and always speaks of you fondly. She says that even all of us sisters together can’t compare to you—you are the pride and glory of the Ruan family.”
The Empress chuckled. “You have quite the silver tongue, child.”
Then she sighed. “I’ve met your sisters in recent years when their mothers brought them to court. You, however, I’ve never met before. I heard you’ve been living at the estate because of… certain matters. This is our first time meeting. Alas, your brother can be so foolish sometimes—how could he believe those ridiculous superstitions spread by traveling charlatans?”
“Three feet above our heads, there are spirits watching, Your Majesty. In matters like these, it’s better to believe than not to believe. I understand Father’s decision. Even if not for himself, there was still Grandmother and the rest of the family to consider. I also heard she was ill back then. Thankfully, my brother has been by our side for over ten years now, and my mother and I are perfectly well. The lies of that fortune-teller have proven baseless.”
“Oh?” The Empress arched a brow. “So you don’t resent your father for it?”
Ruan Mianmian smiled gently and shook her head. “I did, once. My mother forbade me to, but I couldn’t let it go. As I grew older, I came to understand more. If I were my father, I might have made the same choice. Life is ruled by fate. And now, my fate has taken a turn for the better—I’ve returned to the Duke’s mansion and even have the honor of celebrating Your Majesty’s birthday today. How could I dwell on resentment when I should be grateful?”
The Empress nodded approvingly. “You’re a sensible child.”
Just then, a voice outside announced, “Your Majesty, Consort Li and Prince Xiang have arrived.”
“Oh? They’re early. Quickly, let them in.”
The Empress’s eyes lit up. Ruan Mianmian immediately rose. “Your Majesty, since Prince Xiang is here, perhaps I should withdraw behind the screen.”
“In my palace, there’s no need for such formality. Stay where you are,” said the Empress, waving her hand.
Ruan Mianmian obeyed happily. She stood demurely to the side, head bowed, her demeanor quiet and docile—but inside, her curiosity was bouncing wildly like a thousand ants on a hot pan.
Moments later came the sound of footsteps, and the mother and son entered together, bowing to the Empress.
Then a voice—clear, smooth, and deep—filled the room. The moment Ruan Mianmian heard it, her heart skipped a beat.
Oh my god… that voice! It’s beautiful! Music to my ears! Even if he turns out to be ugly, I can forgive everything as long as he keeps talking.
“Mianmian, come greet Consort Li and Prince Xiang,” the Empress said.
Ruan Mianmian gathered herself and walked forward, bowing deeply. “This humble girl, Ruan Mianmian, greets Consort Li and Prince Xiang.”
“You need not be so formal,” the young man said, his voice calm. “My name is Lin Zhuo. You may call me by it.”
At that, both raised their heads—and their gazes met.
Whoa whoa whoa! He’s gorgeous! That face, that build!
So she wasn’t just a voice addict—she was a full-fledged looks fanatic. Heavens above, why was a man like this born in ancient times? In the twenty-first century, he’d be an instant celebrity! With that face, he could rule the entertainment industry—unless he’s an idiot, he’d be unstoppable!
Ruan Mianmian felt a dizzy rush, afraid her eyes might literally turn into heart shapes. She quickly lowered her gaze, her heart pounding wildly. Carpe diem, girl. You’ve hit the jackpot this time.
Once everyone was seated again, the Empress looked between Consort Li and the young pair and smiled. “Ah, youth is truly a beautiful thing. Just looking at you both is pleasing to the eye. We old ones can’t compare anymore.”
Consort Li returned the smile. “How could that be? Your Majesty is still in your prime. Even the most radiant peony would pale beside you.”
“You flatter me,” the Empress said with a laugh, shaking her head. “If you keep this up, the children will think us ridiculous.” She sipped her tea, then asked with a teasing tone, “What do you think of our Mianmian?”
Consort Li glanced at Ruan Mianmian with a gentle smile. “A daughter of the Duke’s household is bound to be excellent. But I must say, this Mianmian girl seems even more exceptional. Forgive my boldness, Your Majesty, but she reminds me of you—graceful, kind, and dignified. One can’t help but take a liking to her at first sight.”
“Oh, you always did have a honeyed tongue,” the Empress replied with mock reproach, though her eyes crinkled with pleasure. Clearly, she was pleased by the praise.
“You are the mother of the realm,” Consort Li said warmly. “In all the world, who could compare to Your Majesty?”
The two noble ladies continued chatting amiably, while Ruan Mianmian and Lin Zhuo sipped tea in silence—each secretly studying the other.
Her posture is steady, her manners refined, Lin Zhuo thought. Not overly beautiful, but charming enough. More importantly, she seems calm and obedient. A suitable consort indeed.
He’s flawless, thought Ruan Mianmian. Tall, handsome, with that cold, stoic aura. Okay, a bit gloomy, but that just makes him mysterious. And that voice… perfection. Even if he’s a complete idiot, I could live peacefully by his side forever. But if he’s smart enough to one day become emperor… then I can’t stay as empress. I’ll have to walk away. Still, to have once shared a bed with such a man—totally worth it. A modern transmigrator doesn’t need eternal love; just the glory of having once owned it.
(End of Chapter)