Chapter 20

Chapter Twenty: Suspicion

The emperor’s appearance was strikingly handsome, with eyebrows that swept diagonally toward his temples and narrow phoenix-like eyes. His features were sharp and precise, seemingly flawless. When he smiled, it almost dazzled Xie Shu’s crystal-clear eyes. She was somewhat puzzled and awkwardly asked, “Your Majesty, what are you smiling about?”

“Nothing in particular. I just find that Third Miss Xie is unlike ordinary women,” the emperor said calmly yet sharply, fixing his gaze on her without haste.

Xie Shu’s heart skipped a beat. What did he mean by that? She didn’t want to draw his attention. She restrained herself, clasping her delicate fingertips tightly. Just as she was about to speak, Qin Yu said, “It’s getting late. Third Miss Xie, you should return to Madam Xie soon.”

Xie Shu, of course, hadn’t forgotten her mother’s instruction to listen to two operas and then leave without straying too far. If she didn’t return soon, her mother might send someone to find her.

Lowering her lashes, she bowed gracefully, her slender waist curving elegantly. “Then this humble one will take her leave.”

The young emperor folded his hands behind his back and let out a low “Hmm.”

“Farewell, Third Miss Xie,” said Li Gonggong with a smile as she lifted the hem of her dress and began to walk back. Seeing her, he bowed politely before returning to the emperor’s side. “Your Majesty.”

“Let’s go,” Qin Yu said lazily, watching the woman’s departing figure. Before today, he would have merely thought Third Miss Xie was a refined lady raised by a noble family. But after today, he clearly felt otherwise. Moreover, she seemed to wear a mask in front of him.

She was one way in front of her brother and others, but another entirely different before him.

The emperor narrowed his eyes and once again suspected that the so-called “Noble Consort” from his dream might actually be this very Third Miss Xie.

Xie Qingyan was gentle by nature and had waited there for her sister. But since her sister hadn’t returned, she couldn’t help but worry. She even lost interest in admiring the butterflies fluttering nearby. Upon seeing Xie Shu’s figure, she hurried forward with a worried look. “Third Sister, you’ve finally come back. Did His Majesty call for you?”

“The emperor spoke briefly about the Nine Heavens Jade Pendant and then sent me back. Sorry to keep you waiting, Sister Qingyan,” Xie Shu said lightly, fabricating a casual excuse with a gentle smile.

“Oh, so that’s how it is. I thought…” Qingyan hesitated but relaxed upon hearing that. She had feared that the emperor had feelings for her sister and was looking for a chance to meet with her secretly.

Xie Shu, perceptive as ever, guessed at Qingyan’s unspoken questions and smiled warmly, steering clear of the topic. “Sister Qingyan, do you want to keep enjoying the flowers?”

“Then Third Sister, please stay with me a little longer.” A distant opera song drifted once again. Qingyan truly disliked the opera and couldn’t appreciate it. Her voice was muffled as she spoke.

Xie Shu’s smile softened. “Alright.”

***

Madam Yun had promised to listen to only two operas, and she did just that. After excusing herself to Lady Chu, who readily agreed, Madam Yun sent Aunt Sun to fetch the two young ladies. She tidied her sleeves and started to walk out; before she reached the pavilion, someone called out to her.

“Madam Xie, please wait.”

Turning, Madam Yun saw it was Lady Liang from the Prime Minister’s residence. Twenty years ago, Lady Liang was a renowned talent in the capital. The Prime Minister’s household was a bastion of integrity, producing outstanding young gentlemen and ladies, with the third son, Liang Heng, at the forefront. Madam Yun smiled gently, “Lady Liang.”

Lady Liang approached with a friendly smile and took Madam Yun’s arm. “There were so many people earlier that I didn’t get a chance to speak with you alone. Would you honor us with your company for tea at that pavilion over there? Just a few words.”

Madam Yun, of course, would not refuse. Setting aside rank, the Prime Minister’s family was roughly equal in influence to the House of the Loyal and Righteous Marquis. Their eldest son was favored by the emperor, and so was their third son, Liang Heng. This visit likely had to do with a marriage proposal.

As Madam Yun suspected, Lady Liang began by lavishly praising her daughter, saying she resembled Lady Liang in her youth and was very charming. She expressed that their families seemed destined and finally asked if her daughter’s marriage was nearly settled.

The Prime Minister’s family upheld strict discipline and had accomplished young members. Lady Liang’s affable nature meant Madam Yun was willing to consider them. She smiled slightly and said, “Lately, my husband and I have been deeply concerned about this girl’s marriage. But in the end, it must reflect her own wishes.”

“Indeed. Marriage is a lifelong matter; it must be a union of hearts and minds, with a husband who is ambitious and respectful. If Madam Xie doesn’t mind, I would like to introduce my youngest son, Heng, as a match. He has met Third Miss Xie once and likes her very much. I’ve asked his opinion, and he said that if he could marry Third Miss Xie, he would not take any concubines and would strive to obtain an official title for her.”

Of course, Lady Liang carefully phrased this, as her son had only recently entered court service and becoming a first-rank titled lady was still a distant prospect. She believed in her son’s abilities but was cautious in her claims.

Madam Yun was momentarily taken aback; she hadn’t expected that Liang Heng had met Shu’er before. Given his talents, his words were probably sincere.

“I’m not trying to deceive Madam Xie. I know Heng’s feelings because he once showed me a painting he made of Third Miss Xie, and when I asked him, he expressed these thoughts. Our Prime Minister’s household is not one to exploit young women, so Madam Xie can rest assured. If you don’t mind that our family is somewhat less prestigious than the Loyal and Righteous Marquis’s, perhaps the children could meet.”

Lady Liang’s eyes were sincere as she spoke with a smile.

“I will speak with Shu’er about this. She is the most cherished daughter of the Loyal and Righteous Marquis, and as her mother, I would never force her into anything against her will,” Madam Yun replied, her heart stirred by Lady Liang’s earnestness.

“Of course,” Lady Liang smiled even more warmly and personally poured tea for Madam Yun. She was quite fond of the Loyal and Righteous Marquis’s Third Miss and hoped this marriage might be a perfect match.

After leaving the pavilion, Aunt Sun reported that the two young ladies were waiting in the carriage. Madam Yun nodded and, along with Aunt Sun, left the Duke of Chu’s estate.

One by one, the other ladies also excused themselves from Lady Chu. When everyone had left, Lady Chu helped the Dowager Lady Chu back to the main hall. There, several of Chu Youning’s aunts were gently comforting her, as she wore an expression of grievance.

“Youning, what exactly happened today?” The Dowager Lady Chu had never seen her granddaughter look so distressed and felt a pang of sympathy. Yet upon recalling the emperor’s coldness toward her granddaughter and his gift of a qin to the Loyal and Righteous Marquis’s Third Miss, her expression darkened.

Chu Youning recounted how she had asked Xie Shu to dance and how the emperor had inadvertently seen her during the performance. The Dowager Lady Chu’s temples throbbed in disbelief—how could such a coincidence exist?

Youning had prepared the Rainbow Feathered Dance for so long, hoping to present it to the emperor, yet never found the chance. Today, it had all been for someone else.

“Mother, today Youning was completely made to dress the bride for another,” Lady Chu, already displeased that Xie Shu had stolen her daughter’s spotlight, was even angrier and complained to the Dowager Lady Chu.

The Dowager Lady Chu had deeper thoughts and asked, “Was the emperor’s initial reluctance to select a consort due to the Empress Dowager not allowing the Minister of Rites to add Third Miss Xie’s name?”

“That is correct. But Aunt’s opinion is that the emperor’s cousin did this deliberately to spite her, because he doesn’t like others controlling his decisions,” Chu Youning said with a hurt tone.

Having just ascended the throne, the emperor had dealt decisively with the Carefree Prince and his faction. The Empress Dowager’s intervention in the selection was why he initially intended not to choose a consort. Still, the Dowager Lady Chu felt something was off.

“Did the emperor know Third Miss Xie before?”

“Probably not. It was only because Second Uncle mentioned her to the emperor’s cousin that he took notice,” Chu Youning shook her head.

“He always meddles,” the Dowager Lady Chu snorted coldly at Second Uncle. “Youning, let today’s matter be past. Return to Cining Palace and report everything to the Empress Dowager exactly as it happened. See what she decides.”

“Yes, I will return to the palace at once,” Chu Youning said, looking pitiful, hoping her aunt would defend her.

Lady Chu escorted her out, her gaze growing colder. This Third Miss Xie seemed like a jinx for Youning. If she gained the emperor’s favor first and entered the palace, their House of Chu would be overshadowed by the Loyal and Righteous Marquis’s family.

At dusk, Madam Yun’s carriage arrived at the Loyal and Righteous Marquis’s mansion. Madam Yun, along with Xie Shu and Xie Qingyan, entered to find the Marquis awaiting them in the main hall, accompanied by Xie Huaiyu.

Servants presented fresh fruits and pastries.

The Marquis asked, “How did His Majesty send the Nine Heavens Jade Pendant qin over?”

Today was the Lotus Banquet hosted by the Duke of Chu’s family; why would the emperor dispatch such a gift? The Marquis had been startled when the palace eunuchs arrived.

“That’s because the eldest Miss of the Duke of Chu’s family deliberately targeted Shu’er. To save face, Shu’er performed a ribbon dance with Qingyan accompanying on the qin. The emperor happened to see her dance and gifted her this qin,” Madam Yun said sharply, unable to conceal her disdain for the Duke of Chu’s family’s conduct.

Xie Huaiyu paused, lifting the tea lid. The dancer was his sister, the qin player was Qingyan—then why did the emperor give the Nine Heavens Jade Pendant to Qingyan?