The hall was resplendent and solemn.
Emperor Jingwen sat upright upon the throne, clad in a dragon robe and crowned in gold. His expression was majestic, his presence awe-inspiring.
The Empress sat at his side, and below her was Princess Yongping. The princess’s seat was positioned even above that of the Crown Prince, a clear sign of Emperor Jingwen’s affection and regard for his younger sister.
Once the emperor had settled, a gentle smile appeared on his face—one that carried both the confidence and composure of a ruler and a sense of warmth toward those in attendance.
He raised his wine cup from the dragon-carved table, his deep, resonant voice echoing through the hall.
“Let us raise a cup together—to the Great General and these brave and fearless soldiers. They have guarded our borders in the bitter cold frontier, defending our land with their flesh and blood against foreign invasion. On behalf of the people of Southern Sang, I offer them this toast!”
Everyone in the hall stood and raised their cups. “Your Majesty is wise—truly a blessing to the people!”
In that moment, the atmosphere became solemn and dignified. Faces were grave with respect.
Emperor Jingwen set down his cup and smiled toward Xiao Yinghuai. “Beloved Minister Xiao, I have heard that Yun’an bears quite the resemblance to you in your youth. Not yet twenty, yet already earning meritorious deeds in the northern desert.”
“Your Majesty flatters him. Compared to this humble minister in his younger days, he still falls short.”
“Hahaha!” The emperor laughed heartily and then turned his gaze to Xiao Junhe.
“Yun’an, you have rendered great service this time. Speak—what reward do you desire?”
Xiao Junhe rose and cupped his hands in salute. “This subject has not yet decided. Might I request it from Your Majesty once I have given it thought?”
The emperor sighed with a smile. “You rascal. Very well—tell me when you have decided.”
“Many thanks, Your Majesty.”
Emperor Jingwen then turned to Princess Yongping. “Imperial Sister, your son has truly grown more outstanding with each passing year. I see many noble young ladies in the capital hoping to become your daughter-in-law.”
Princess Yongping smiled faintly. “This younger sister also wishes for him to marry soon, but he insists he is not ready. I have no way to compel him.”
Seated to the princess’s left, the Crown Prince watched the emperor’s warm treatment of the General’s household. Combined with the formidable Black Armor Army under Xiao Yinghuai’s command and the growing influence of the General’s residence, unease stirred within him.
The Crown Prince had been born to the former empress, who passed away shortly after giving birth to him. The current empress was not his birth mother. Though she had no children of her own and had raised him since childhood, his maternal family had long since declined.
Now his power base was weak, and he feared for the stability of his position.
If the General’s household were allowed to grow unchecked, then when he ascended the throne one day, they would surely become his greatest obstacle.
The old master of the Xiao family had once been Emperor Jingwen’s teacher. Though now retired from court affairs, he was still highly respected by the emperor, who would occasionally summon him for counsel during disputes.
The Crown Prince frowned thoughtfully. The General’s household was deeply rooted in court politics, and the emperor’s favor toward them was evident. Weakening them would not be easy. One wrong move could backfire—or worse, incur imperial wrath.
He would need allies.
His gaze lifted to the women’s seating area, where Su Qing had been staring at him for quite some time. He considered.
Though Su Qing’s father was merely a fourth-rank Vice Minister of Revenue, her maternal grandfather was the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, a second-rank official.
Censors held no military power—but sometimes, the sharp tongues of civil officials could be deadlier than swords.
The Crown Prince’s lips curved into a gentle smile directed at Su Qing.
Across the hall, Su Qing’s cheeks flushed at his smile. She lowered her head shyly, her heart pounding rapidly.
..
Su Fu, however, felt somewhat stifled in the hall and wished to step out for some air. Leaning toward He Minzhu, she whispered, “I’m going to the restroom.”
“Shall I go with you?”
Su Fu shook her head. “No need. I’ll be back shortly.”
She exited the hall and walked along a small path to the right. Before long, she reached a rock garden tucked in a somewhat secluded corner.
Qiushuang grew uneasy. “Miss, let’s head back. If we run into someone here, it won’t be good.”
Just as they turned to leave, faint footsteps sounded ahead.
“Miss, what should we do?”
Su Fu was about to pull Qiushuang behind the rock formation when the figure ahead came into view.
Seeing Xiao Junhe suddenly appear there, Su Fu froze momentarily. Then relief washed over her.
She hurriedly curtsied. “Greetings, Heir Apparent.”
“What brings Miss Su here?”
“What brings the Heir Apparent here?”
They spoke simultaneously.
A barely perceptible smile tugged at Xiao Junhe’s lips as he lowered his gaze to her. “You first.”
“It was rather stuffy inside the hall, so I came out for a walk,” Su Fu answered honestly.
She lifted her eyes to meet his. “And why would the Heir Apparent be here at this hour? Shouldn’t you be inside accepting toasts from the officials?”
“Avoiding wine.”
Su Fu blinked her bright phoenix eyes, amusement glimmering within them. “So the Heir Apparent slipped out to shirk his duties?”
“Aren’t you doing the same?” A glint of playful light flickered through his dark eyes.
“Miss Su, you should return. Staying out too long would not be good for you,” he reminded her.
“Very well.”
She indeed should not linger. Though she longed to remain with him a while longer, this was the imperial palace. If seen together, it would bring trouble to him—or to her.
“You go first. I’ll stay here for some air.”
He understood that if others saw them together, her reputation would suffer.
Su Fu understood his intention, and warmth bloomed softly in her heart. “All right.”
..
When Su Fu returned to her seat, He Minzhu asked, “Why were you gone so long?”
Su Fu cleared her throat lightly. “The palace is too large. I lost my way on the return.”
Shortly after she sat down, Xiao Junhe also resumed his seat.
At that moment, the Empress, seated at the head, smiled and addressed the assembled young ladies.
“Since the daughters of so many noble households are present today, why not hold a talent competition? It would add some delight to the banquet and allow everyone to witness your accomplishments. The winner shall receive a gold filigree butterfly-and-phoenix hairpin from me.”
After a brief pause, she continued, “The Princess Yongping and I shall serve as judges.”
Turning to the princess, she asked, “Imperial Sister, what do you think?”
Though Princess Yongping did not particularly enjoy such activities, she could not refuse the Empress.
“It is an excellent idea. Since Your Majesty has offered a prize, I shall also contribute the red-gold phoenix pearl bracelet I have long worn.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall grew lively and charged.
The young ladies of each household were eager to try, hoping to display their talents and win this great honor.
For them, this was more than a mere competition—it was a chance to shine before the Empress and the Princess Yongping.