Pei Nai quickly withdrew her gaze. “No, I was just curious.”
Yixi didn’t quite believe her and looked over as well. What was so special about that direction? Most of those seated there were elders with graying hair—aside from the emperor and the Duke of Duanding…
Nothing unusual.
Ah—the Duke of Duanding! Yixi suddenly realized.
Lowering her voice, she whispered, “Mingzhi, you wouldn’t…”
She stopped halfway, remembering the Duke’s extraordinary hearing. Taking Pei Nai’s hand, she wrote in her palm: Do you have feelings for him?
When Pei Nai shook her head, Yixi finally relaxed. She had wanted to say more—to warn her to cherish her life and stay far away from the Duke—but with him present, she could only compress all her thoughts into one sentence:
“That’s good!”
Yixi’s gaze shifted slightly—and suddenly, her whole body froze. She immediately lowered her head.
Confused, Pei Nai turned around, only to see Gu Jinheng in the distance, looking straight at her. Their eyes met.
Startled, Pei Nai hurriedly lowered her head as well. Yixi awkwardly picked up her chopsticks and placed food into Pei Nai’s bowl, trying to cover up their earlier movements.
“This embroidered scallop is delicious… try it. Crispy and fragrant—the imperial kitchen has improved again.”
Pei Nai nodded and quickly stuffed food into her mouth.
After quite a while, the prickling sensation on her back finally faded. When she dared to look up again, Gu Jinheng had already looked away.
Yixi, who had been shrinking in fear, finally lifted her head and shuddered, making a frightened face at Pei Nai.
Pei Nai found it strange. Though Gu Jinheng’s hearing was exceptional, the hall was so noisy—it should have interfered with his senses. They hadn’t even mentioned his name.
Could he really sense writing on a palm?
Or… was it because no one else dared to look at him directly, and she had glanced at him too often, drawing his attention?
That seemed more likely.
Pei Nai felt a little uneasy, silently reassuring herself that she hadn’t revealed anything, and forced herself to eat calmly.
The dance ended, and the dancers withdrew in order.
A eunuch announced loudly, “The Second Prince of Qilu, along with his delegation, requests an audience!”
Xiao Yi spoke with authority. “Let them enter!”
Everyone lifted their heads, craning their necks toward the main doors of the hall.
The doors slowly opened. Da Xi’an led the delegation inside, each carrying tribute.
At the center of the hall, he knelt first.
“Your servant, Da Xi’an, leads the delegation of Qilu in paying respects to Your Majesty. On behalf of my imperial father, I present a pure white jade Buddha statue from Zhaoshan, five longevity snow lotuses, five hundred bolts of fine silk brocade, and twenty jin each of Tianshan lingzhi and Dihua ginseng. May Your Majesty enjoy health and prosperity, and may Tianyao flourish in peace and abundance.”
Pei Nai was stunned.
Wasn’t this the same man who had just been eating in the hall? Had he run out halfway just to perform this tribute ceremony?
“Rise,” Xiao Yi said. “Convey my thanks to the Emperor of Qilu. You have traveled far—have you been comfortable during your stay in Tianyao?”
Da Xi’an rose and cupped his hands. “Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. Chaoyang is a land of outstanding people and spirit. Our journey has been smooth. However… I have one request.”
Every year, Da Xi’an led the tribute delegation, but this was the first time he had made a request.
Xiao Yi grew curious and gestured generously. “Please, speak.”
Da Xi’an turned and smiled toward Pei Nai’s direction. His gaze swept across the crowd before landing precisely on her.
People began turning as well, following his gaze. Murmurs spread throughout the hall.
Only Pei Nai felt her heart sink.
This is bad.
“I wish to request Your Majesty’s permission to marry Miss Tang Mingzhi of the Ju Residence.”
His voice rang like a bell, echoing through the entire hall.
Few people present knew her. Even Xiao Yi only looked toward her after being reminded by a eunuch. Still, whispers spread, and more eyes turned toward her.
Pei Nai felt as if she were sitting on pins and needles. She hurriedly shook her head at Xiao Yi, hoping he would understand.
Xiao Yi looked at her for a moment, then spoke clearly:
“If it is treasures of Tianyao that you seek, Second Prince, I will grant them without hesitation. However, my aunt—the Yingwu Lady of Tianyao—once taught me in my youth that marriage is no trivial matter. It concerns the happiness of two families, and only mutual affection can be called a destined union. I have followed her teachings all these years and have never arranged marriages arbitrarily. I ask for your understanding. I cannot grant this request for now. But if you win Mingzhi’s heart and come before me together, I will personally bestow your marriage.”
Pei Nai nearly applauded.
Well said!
Her teachings—how well he had learned them. How many young men and women of noble families had avoided forced marriages because of those very words.
Da Xi’an glanced back at her, somewhat regretful, but ultimately withdrew.
Gu Jinheng’s expression remained indifferent. From beginning to end, his gaze lingered on her for only a brief moment. Pei Nai understood—he would not concern himself with a stranger. Only because the matter had nearly escalated into a political marriage between two nations had he taken notice.
Ju Liancheng sat across from Pei Nai at the same table. As the only person present who knew of her rebirth, his gaze moved between Da Xi’an, Xiao Yi, Gu Jinheng, and Pei Nai. A faint, nearly imperceptible smile appeared at his lips.
Pei Nai didn’t even have the energy to roll her eyes. She lowered her head, avoiding the attention around her.
Yixi sympathetically placed a piece of crispy snow-baked meat into her bowl.
After the Qilu delegation withdrew, the dancers returned, and the banquet continued. Only the occasional glances reminded Pei Nai of what had just happened.
…
By the time the banquet ended, it was already late at night. Only remnants of food remained on the tables.
The emperor had returned to the palace, but the nobles and officials lingered at the entrance, chatting, while their families waited nearby.
Standing atop the steps, Pei Nai saw someone already walking away in the distance.
When attending the emperor, guards were not allowed, so his attendants were likely waiting by the carriage. The direction he walked led toward the palace gates.
The place behind her was still lively—but why did her heart feel so heavy?
Everyone had companions, laughing and talking, waiting to return home together.
Under the moonlight, silver radiance washed over the trees. He walked alone—behind him, noise; ahead, silence.
Solitary.
The scene mirrored his life.
He had chosen the world, yet could never return to the past.
Was he… lonely too?
Suddenly, Pei Nai wanted to run down those steps and throw herself into his arms.
Like years ago—linking arms with him along the stone paths on their way home, complaining about the imperial kitchen, or leaning in to touch his forehead to see if he had drunk too much.
Though he would always frown slightly and gesture in mild annoyance, “Have some manners. We’re outside!”
She never cared, thinking he was merely shy.
But fate was unpredictable.
After rebirth, she was now too far from him.
Step by step, the stairs between them had become an unbridgeable chasm.
Pei Nai lifted her head, gazing at the stars, and murmured helplessly:
Alone… alone…
Who among them was not?