Chapter 26: I Give You a Pebble, Reluctantly Letting Go of My Affection

Everyone struggled to keep a straight face, but their shoulders shook, betraying their efforts to suppress laughter. It was clear they were barely holding it in. Mu Xinqi regarded Feng Xiaoli with a mocking expression, eager to see her embarrassed, and was delighted that Feng Xiaoli managed to humiliate herself without any help. Mu Xinmi tried several times to restrain her laughter, but she couldn't stop herself, and the other young ladies covered their mouths, giggling—except for the lady of the Chu family, who kept her face cold and impassive.

Mu Xinqi, heedless of decorum, laughed loudly without noticing that Lord Liao’s face was growing darker by the moment. Mu Xinmi, ever observant, quickly sensed Lord Liao’s displeasure and, regardless of Mu Xinqi’s wishes, sharply reprimanded her to stop.

Caught up in her glee, Mu Xinqi ignored everything around her, seeing only Feng Xiaoli’s awkward figure, which made her even happier. Feng Xiaoli, amused by Mu Xinqi’s delight, couldn’t help but smile, as if tickled by the scene. She said, “It seems Lady Xinqi is dissatisfied with the gift I’ve prepared for His Majesty.”

“Lady Xiaoli!” For once, Mu Xinqi refrained from calling her by her full name, “Has the Prince Chun’s residence prepared no other gift? How is it that Lady Xiaoli, you offer only a song? To outsiders, it would seem Prince Chun’s household is so impoverished that not even a proper gift can be given—such a paltry offering!”

“Xinqi!” Voices from every side rang out—Lord Liao, Mu Xinmi, and Yu Wenhao—all sternly called her to order, forbidding her to speak further.

The Emperor of the Qianqing Palace frowned. Everyone understood that unless the Emperor spoke first, Mu Xinqi had no right to speak. Yet, Mu Xinqi, ever rash, blurted out her words without a thought.

Mu Xinqi refused to be subdued. To her mind, her words were not yet finished and, since they were true, why shouldn’t she speak them? Holding back was painful. Father, sister, Crown Prince—you all side with Feng Xiaoli, that wretched girl! Isn’t it widely rumored that Feng Xiaoli is enticing the Crown Prince? Her sister was the rightful Crown Princess; Feng Xiaoli wasn’t even fit to carry their shoes.

Sensing the tension, Empress Yuanmin hurried to smooth things over. She smiled at the Emperor and called softly, “Your Majesty!”

Everyone expected that Mu Xinqi would be rebuked and punished by the Empress, but, to their surprise, she was neither scolded nor chastised. The Empress merely called to the Emperor, and the thought of punishing Mu Xinqi vanished from his mind. Indeed, the Emperor was powerless before beauty. The Empress, even after bearing the Crown Prince and Second Prince, still looked as youthful as a maiden, and if not for the fine lines at her eyes, one would hardly believe she was mother to two children.

Mu Xinqi grew more arrogant and bold, her words now even more biting: “Lady Xiaoli, I’m not criticizing you, but you’ve gone too far. What do you think of the royal family? Is the Emperor invisible in your eyes? You’ve truly disgraced Prince Chun’s household!” She appeared concerned for Feng Xiaoli, but in truth, she covered her mouth, snickering to herself.

“Oh!” Feng Xiaoli purposely drew out her response, “I see. Lady Xinqi is indirectly saying my voice is melodious and pure, worthy of ‘such music belongs only in heaven, rarely heard on earth.’ Really, Xinqi, you needn’t be shy. If you want to admit your voice is unpleasant, just say so—I’d even offer to teach you to sing for free, since you’re a lady of Lord Liao’s household. But to match my voice, you’ll need to put in a little more effort.”

In other words, Mu Xinqi’s singing was dreadful, no wonder she criticized Feng Xiaoli—seeking balance in her heart, she disguised her insults. But that was of no consequence.

It took Mu Xinqi a moment to realize Feng Xiaoli was mocking her. She pointed at Feng Xiaoli and shouted, “Shameless! Do you know how everyone here sees you? They look at you as if you were one of the courtesans from Phoenix Tower!”—no better than a woman of the brothel.

“Thank you for your praise. To be compared with Lady Hua Pei is truly an honor. You should know, Lady Hua Pei sells her art, not herself, renowned throughout the land for her dance and music. Her reputation is earned by her own efforts, and the hardships she’s endured can only be understood by those who’ve lived them. She is far superior to some who rely solely on their family status to make noise—wouldn’t you agree?”

“You—” Mu Xinqi instantly understood Feng Xiaoli’s veiled insult.

Feng Xiaoli continued, “Though Lady Hua Pei is a courtesan, she is not self-deprecating; she lives better than most. So, to be compared to her, I feel honored. Whereas you, Lady Mu Xinqi, must understand that courtesans are women like us—the only difference is their misfortune of birth. What we ought to do is regard them equally, not mock them behind their backs.” Suddenly, she changed the subject, “Just as you say, offering only a song may not be thoughtful enough. As Xinqi claims, I, Ali, have no way to present a precious gift, only something ordinary.”

With that, she drew from her bosom a smooth, leather-polished river stone. Upon seeing it, Yue Wanqing spit out her tea in a loud sputter and began to cough violently. Her maid, Luo Yu, quickly patted her back, and after some time, she recovered. Shen Yuchen watched Yue Wanqing coldly, then turned his gaze to Feng Xiaoli. For a moment, every eye focused on that tiny stone—some curious, some mocking, some inquisitive. Luo Wensheng’s narrow, alluring eyes appraised Feng Xiaoli; Yuchi Jingque, who had kept his eyes closed, now opened them a little; Jun Mochen, grinning mischievously, waited eagerly for Feng Xiaoli’s next words.

Feng Xiaoli did not rush to introduce the object. She raised it high for all to see, and as the crowd realized it was merely a small stone, their suppressed laughter finally burst forth. Even Mu Xinqi, stunned by Feng Xiaoli’s earlier words, now laughed aloud once more.

This time, Yu Wenche could not help but ask, “Ali, is that a river stone in your hand?”

“Ache!” Feng Xiaoli called his name, “This is no ordinary river stone! It has been shaped by nature—worn smooth by flowing water and crashing waves, as polished as a woman’s skin. In the whole world, there is but one like it. I had intended to keep it for myself, but since Xinqi said my song was unworthy, I must part with it, though it pains me.”

Jun Mochen could not help himself—wasn’t this just the excuse he used earlier when he gave up his treasured elixir? Truly, a kindred spirit!

—Author’s Note—

There will be a second chapter today. Thank you all so much!