A Quiet Homecoming

The music drifted lazily through the hall, yet the clamor within Qianyuan Palace seemed to dim by half in an instant.

Shen Yunxiu raised her eyes, staring in shock at Xiao Mingting seated high upon the dragon throne, unable to believe those words had come from his mouth.

But even as her thoughts churned violently, she quickly steadied herself. She bent low, her tone unwavering as she refused, "Your subject trembles with fear! My heart holds only my wife, and I dare not accept another. I beg Your Majesty to withdraw the decree!"

Chen Yao's delicate face was blank with confusion, still struggling to process what was happening. But remembering her current role, she quickly raised her embroidered handkerchief to cover her face.

The young woman's eyes gradually reddened, and soon crystal tears welled up in her apricot-colored eyes, though she gritted her teeth and refused to let them fall.

Chen Yao bit her lower lip, casting a timid, pleading glance up at the emperor on his high seat before quickly lowering her head again. Then she carefully dabbed at the corner of her eyes with her handkerchief, but her shoulders still trembled uncontrollably, clearly muffled sobs escaping her.

Xiao Mingting's brow furrowed sharply at the sight. Darkness churned in his deep eyes, and a wave of irritability swept through him.

—She loved Shen Yunxiu that much? Just the mere possibility of him being granted another bride reduced her to such bitter tears?

Yuan Fuju gripped his wine cup tightly, nearly leaping from his seat. He was just about to rise and voice his objection regardless of decorum.

But the one who reacted most strongly was the very princess who had first requested the betrothal—A Duoya.

She whirled around almost in a flash, her golden ornaments clinking with a crisp sound. Her cat-like eyes flew wide as she exclaimed, "What!? Lord Shen, you're already married?"

"Yes, Princess," Shen Yunxiu straightened up, answering with calm conviction.

A Duoya followed his gaze to his seat and spotted a beautiful young woman, willowy as a drooping willow, her head bowed as she silently wiped her tears. Frowning in confusion, she pressed further, "The young lady sitting beside you just now?"

Seeing Shen Yunxiu nod, A Duoya's brow knitted in utter bewilderment. She said with some frustration, "I thought she was your sister!"

After all, A Duoya had grown up beautiful and pampered by her elders. She had seen far too many bold, fiery warriors of the grasslands gaze at their beloved with unconcealed ardor—that look was unmistakable to her.

But she had carefully observed how Shen Yunxiu looked at the young woman beside him. There was warmth and indulgence in his eyes, yet not a trace of burning passion for a beloved—he clearly regarded her more like a little sister!

"That is my beloved wife," Shen Yunxiu declared, his voice as firm as a blade. "I thank the Princess for her favor. But this humble official has already given his heart, and I must not presume to delay your marriage. I beg the Princess's forgiveness."

A Duoya froze for a moment, then quickly waved her hand. The surprise on her face faded into a hint of resignation. "Well then, forget it. You already have a wife. I'm not some vulture who steals other women's husbands! I'd never do such a thing."

She turned and offered the emperor a grassland-style shoulder salute, speaking loudly, "Emperor, since Lord Shen already has a wife, I won't take what belongs to another. Why not bestow the honor instead upon me and Wu Li Ji? That would be a noble blessing indeed."

Settling for second best, A Duoya figured she actually preferred someone like Wu Li Ji. He might not match Shen Yunxiu's scholarly brilliance and silver tongue, but he was still a top warrior of the Helan tribe, and he adored her, and he was obedient.

Xiao Mingting's fingers tapped lightly against the dragon throne's armrest. He fell silent for a moment before finally nodding slowly. "Very well, as the Princess wishes. I hereby betroth you and Envoy Wu Li Ji, to be wed on an auspicious day."

"Thank you, Emperor!" A Duoya broke into a radiant smile and offered another respectful bow.

Wu Li Ji, who had been slumping in dejection moments before, was now overjoyed. He hastily stood and bowed as well, his voice brimming with excitement. "Thank you, Emperor! And thank you, Princess A Duoya, for your favor!"

Though he had been heartbroken when A Duoya's affection shifted to Shen Yunxiu, he had assumed it was simply because he wasn't good enough for such a fine princess. Now, with this sudden turn of fortune, he was going to end up with A Duoya after all—he was far too grateful and thrilled to harbor even a shred of resentment.

The little incident soon passed. The music, which had faded into silence, swelled once more, and the banquet gradually regained its lively atmosphere.

Shen Yunxiu returned to her seat.

Seeing Chen Yao's apricot eyes still glistening with tears, her face delicate as a pear blossom bathed in rain, Shen Yunxiu couldn't help but take the silk handkerchief from her hand and gently wipe away the tear tracks on her cheeks.

When their gazes met and she saw the worry in the young woman's eyes, Shen Yunxiu smiled gently. "It's fine. Don't worry."

Chen Yao understood her meaning, and a shy smile tugged at her lips as she murmured, "Mm."

"Truly a devoted couple, enough to make others envious."

Yuan Fuju, seated at the neighboring table, witnessed the scene and let a trace of hidden melancholy seep into his voice. He then tilted his head back and downed his wine in one gulp.

The Empress Dowager, seated at the highest place, had remained silent throughout, a fixed smile gracing her kindly face.

Her gaze drifted slowly across the emperor and then to Shen Yunxiu and his wife near the rear of the hall, and she mulled something over in her mind.

Then, after a moment, she gave a slight wave of her hand.

Cui Mama, who had been standing at attention behind her, immediately stepped closer and bent to ask, "What is Your Grace's command?"

"Cuiwei, take the jar of Drunk Hibiscus that I specially brought from Shou'an Palace and present it to the Emperor. And have some clever palace maid deliver this plate of steamed milk custard to Lady Shen, to help soothe her nerves."

The Empress Dowager's lips curved with a faint smile, her tone slow and deliberate. "But the wine is flowing freely in the hall, so remind the servants to be careful. We wouldn't want a clumsy hand to accidentally spill that custard all over someone's clothes."

She emphasized the word "accidentally" just slightly, but she left it at that.

"Yes, Your Grace, I understand." Cui Mama lowered her head in acknowledgment, then turned and went to carry out the order.

The Empress Dowager shook her head inwardly. When His Majesty had ascended the throne all those years ago, he had killed his brothers and driven the late emperor to his death with sheer fury—so ruthlessly decisive. Why was he hesitating so much now when it came to matters of the heart? This didn't resemble the man she remembered.

Soon, a jar of fine wine specially sent by the Empress Dowager appeared on Xiao Mingting's table.

Before he could even gesture, Eunuch De quickly stepped forward, bent low, and filled a white jade goblet to the brim.

He said respectfully, "Cui Mama mentioned that this wine is called Drunk Hibiscus, a treasured vintage aged for years in Shou'an Palace's cellars."

In the porcelain-white goblet, the wine was clear and bright, tinged a delicate pink hue, as resplendent as a hibiscus in full bloom.

Xiao Mingting lifted the cup. Before his lips touched the rim, a sweet, cloying fragrance rose from the wine's subtle intoxication.

He frowned, immediately glancing at the Empress Dowager, who sat nearby at the upper dais. He caught the faint, knowing smile etched in the fine lines around her eyes, and a meaningful look she directed his way.

Xiao Mingting's brow twitched slightly, and following her gaze, his eyes fell upon Xie Chenyao below.