Chapter 19

No one expected the Emperor to visit the Duke of Chu’s residence today. Not the noble ladies of the capital, not Xie Shu, and certainly not Chu Youning.

The moment she knelt, Chu Youning prayed that her cousin, the Emperor, had only just arrived at the Lotus Pavilion and had not witnessed Xie Shu’s breathtaking dance; otherwise, she would be filled with endless regret. She had been practicing the "Rainbow Feathered Garment Dance" specifically to present to him, but had lacked the opportunity. Had she known he was coming, she would have performed it today. More importantly, she did not want to serve as a foil for someone else’s success.

"Rise," Qin Yu’s deep, calm voice echoed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The ladies stood. There was not a woman in the capital who did not admire the Emperor’s bearing, yet his temperament was so cold and indifferent that few dared to meet his gaze.

As the eldest daughter of the Duke’s household, it fell to Chu Youning to play the hostess. Seeing her second uncle beside the Emperor, she offered a gentle smile. "Second Uncle, did you accompany His Majesty here?"

As an elder, the Second Uncle would not slight her in front of the Emperor. He nodded with a mild smile. "His Majesty and I were discussing matters, and when we saw how lively the Lotus Pavilion was, we decided to come over. Miss Xie is truly worthy of her reputation as a talented woman of our capital; she is well-versed in poetry, song, and dance alike."

His blunt confirmation that they had seen the dance made Chu Youning’s face pale. The Emperor had truly seen it.

Xie Shu frowned slightly, then raised her eyes to meet the Emperor’s long, narrow phoenix eyes. Qin Yu spoke in a measured tone: "There is a 'Nine Heavens Ring-Jade' zither in the palace that would perfectly complement Miss Xie’s dance. Eunuch Li, go to the palace and fetch it yourself."

Eunuch Li hurriedly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Chu Youning felt as if her heart were bleeding. She had never imagined that her attempt to target Xie Shu would only draw the Emperor’s attention to her—attention that should have been hers. The other ladies, witnessing the Emperor’s rare show of favor, could not help but cast envious glances at Xie Shu.

Xie Shu felt as though she were standing on the tip of a needle, suspecting the Emperor had done this on purpose. Even though she hadn't been the one playing the music, he had gifted her the zither. Though she was secretly displeased, her expression remained as gentle and clear as water. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Emperor could see through her feigned compliance at a glance. The girl before him was like a little fox; she bore a striking resemblance to the pampered, headstrong woman from his dreams, yet there were differences. Qin Yu’s gaze sharpened. "Miss Xie, there is no need for such formalities."

News of the Emperor’s arrival reached the main hall. The Old Duchess of Chu was shocked. "What did you say? The Emperor is here?"

"Indeed, Your Majesty and the Second Master went to the Lotus Pavilion," the servant replied in a panic.

"Help me to the pavilion at once." Recognizing the gravity of such a rare visit, the Old Duchess hurried toward the pavilion, leaning on Nanny Lin’s arm. Despite the strange atmosphere, she bowed respectfully. "I pay my respects to Your Majesty. I did not expect you today; please forgive any lack of hospitality."

The Emperor dismissed the gesture. As his attendant helped the Old Duchess up, she glanced at her granddaughter and smiled kindly. "Your Majesty, surely you haven't tasted the tea Youning brews? The scenery here is quite lovely; might I have her prepare a cup for you?"

It was a blatant attempt at matchmaking. The Second Uncle looked away, while Chu Youning gazed at the Emperor with soft, expectant eyes.

To everyone’s surprise, the Emperor refused bluntly: "I have already had several cups in the palace. There is no need to trouble the young lady."

Knowing the Emperor was cold toward Youning was one thing, but such bluntness was another. The Old Duchess was helpless, but she could not force him. Settling for second best, she smiled, "The banquet is about to begin. Would Your Majesty care to dine at the residence before you leave?"

The Emperor replied coldly, "Very well."

"This way, Your Majesty." The Old Duchess breathed a sigh of relief. As the Empress Dowager’s kin, their family was closely tied to the throne, and the Emperor’s relative politeness was a good sign.

With the Emperor present, the ladies lost all interest in the lotuses; their hearts were entirely focused on him.

As they returned to the main hall, Xie Shu and Xie Qingyan walked at the back. Once out of earshot, Xie Qingyan whispered, "Third Sister, you were incredible! You looked just like a celestial being from the heavens."

Xie Shu smiled. "You are just too good at giving compliments, Qingyan."

"It’s the truth! If I were a man, my heart would certainly be moved by you," Xie Qingyan said, then hesitated. "But Third Sister, why do you think His Majesty gave you that zither?"

She remembered her tutor saying that a zither could sometimes serve as a token of love. Xie Shu suspected the Emperor had given it to her precisely to make her a target, though she had no proof. She whispered, "Perhaps he simply felt the zither’s sound would better match the ribbon dance."

"That makes sense, but... I was still startled."

Xie Shu paused. If she recalled correctly, in her past life, the day after she was named Empress, Eunuch Li had brought a zither as a gift from the Emperor, claiming it was to celebrate their harmony.

"You’re overthinking it, Qingyan," she said with a faint smile.

When they reached the main hall, they took their assigned seats. Once the meal concluded, the Old Duchess insisted they stay to watch a local opera troupe. Xie Shu and Xie Qingyan wandered near the courtyard, admiring the roses and butterflies, until Eunuch Li approached them.

"Greetings, Miss Xie, Miss Qingyan."

"Eunuch Li," Xie Shu said, her heart sinking. "Is there something you need?"

"His Majesty asked me to tell you that the zither has been delivered to your residence. Before he returns to the palace, he has a word for you."

Xie Qingyan’s eyes widened, and she looked at her sister. Xie Shu sighed, "Wait for me here, Qingyan."

Eunuch Li assured them that hidden guards would protect the younger girl. Xie Shu followed him to a magnolia tree, where the Emperor stood in his dark, gold-embroidered dragon robes.

"I pay my respects, Your Majesty."

"Rise, Miss Xie." He turned to look at her.

Once Eunuch Li retreated, the courtyard fell silent. Xie Shu asked, "What is it that you wished to say, Your Majesty?"

Qin Yu’s lips curled into a smirk. "Miss Xie, you are quite bold today."

Xie Shu understood immediately. Though it sounded like a compliment, she felt it was a jab at her tendency to settle scores. She blinked, her smile as sly and vivid as a little fox’s. "That is simply the kind of person I am, Your Majesty."

She would not let others bully her. If she were forced into a corner, she would find a way to take it back—which was exactly why she had insisted on becoming Empress in her previous life. If the world already called her a "siren who brought ruin to the nation," she might as well sit firmly on the throne and make those rumors true.

The Emperor suddenly laughed aloud, his eyebrows arched, his presence brilliant and overwhelming.