Chapter Three

“Greetings to Empress Yuanmin! May Your Majesty live for thousands upon thousands of years!”

“Rise, all of you,” the Empress replied, her voice poised and regal as she approached. Draped in resplendent golden robes, she embodied the very essence of imperial grandeur. Some women seemed destined to be empress, and she was one of them. Her commanding gaze swept across the assembled courtiers, instilling a subtle sense of awe and fear. There was a chill to her eyes, devoid of warmth, her features exquisitely refined—truly the mother of the nation in both title and bearing.

Though her words were ordinary, no one dared show the slightest disrespect.

“What is going on here?” Empress Yuanmin detected the lingering tension in the air, well aware that it was the result of the Crown Prince and the Second Prince’s veiled barbs. Still, she feigned ignorance and asked.

“Mother, I was only playing with my younger brother,” Yuwen Hao replied courteously, a polite smile on his lips.

“And you, Second Prince, what do you say?” The Empress’s icy gaze shifted to Yuwen Che, who involuntarily shuddered.

He answered respectfully, “As my elder brother the Crown Prince said, we were merely playing. It is nothing of consequence.”

“As long as it is nothing. I hope, for your sake, that it is truly as you say. Remember, each of your words and actions represents the imperial family. I do not wish to see the two of you turn into a laughingstock before others.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” they replied meekly.

“Your Highness.” The Empress then made her way to stand before Prince Chun, pausing two paces away, her cold voice sounding again.

“Greetings to Empress Yuanmin.”

Prince Chun regarded the Empress with utmost respect and admiration. In this world, there were but two people to whom he would willingly bow: the Emperor himself, and the woman before him. As the Emperor’s consort and most trusted aide, Empress Yuanmin was renowned for her martial prowess and strategic acumen, rivaling any man in the realm. In Huai Capital, her status was second to none.

The Emperor’s affection for her was legendary—a rare devotion in any age. At one time, he even considered dissolving his harem for her sake, but the ministers threatened their lives in protest, forcing the Emperor to relinquish the idea. The Empress merely smiled then, for whether the harem remained or not, it made no difference to the Emperor’s feelings for her. The palace women now were mere ornaments, installed to appease the ministers. No matter what schemes they concocted, as long as they did not go too far, neither the Emperor nor the Empress paid them any heed.

Besides, no matter what those women tried, the Emperor never spent a night in their chambers. His heart belonged solely to Empress Yuanmin.

Prince Chun believed there was nothing wrong with dismissing the harem for the sake of one woman. Only someone like Empress Yuanmin was worthy to be mother of the nation and to assist the Emperor in ruling the realm. He was among the few who supported the Emperor’s wish to dissolve the harem.

If it were the Emperor and Empress Yuanmin who wished to betroth Feng Xiaoli to the Crown Prince, Prince Chun could do nothing to oppose them; he could not fathom the thoughts of the sovereign and his consort. Since it was their will, there must be a reason behind it. Yet the future happiness of Feng Xiaoli…

Feng Xiaoli had no inkling of Prince Chun’s inner turmoil. When she first beheld the Empress’s incomparable beauty, she was struck dumb. She had not met many women in her years on Snowmist Mountain, and had thought Yue Wanqing’s looks unrivaled—until now. Empress Yuanmin was even more beautiful.

“It has been some time, Your Highness. Are you well?” The Empress’s tone, markedly warmer than when she addressed her own sons, was tinged with a gentle smile.

Feng Xiaoli’s eyes widened in surprise. The Empress was icy and unfeeling toward her sons, yet showed tenderness to Prince Chun. What was going on here?

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern; I am well enough,” Prince Chun replied, his gaze flickering uncertainly—a look not missed by the Empress.

“Your Highness is a pillar of Huai Capital. It is only right that you occupy the Emperor’s and my thoughts. I have come today to see Ali. She is lively and forthright, ever eager to right wrongs. When she was young, she often visited the palace to keep the Emperor and me company, and we grew fond of her. But in recent years, her visits grew rare, and eventually she ceased to leave your residence at all. The Emperor was concerned and sent me to find out why.” The Empress spoke not of the marriage arrangement, but of seemingly trivial matters—yet Prince Chun’s expression changed slightly at her words.

Others might not know the truth, but he did.

“Ali is mischievous, and so I have kept her within the residence for fear she might offend someone outside. She is no longer a child, and though Huai Capital is peaceful, there are still dangerous people about who might harm her. She seems innocent, but in truth is rather naïve, too trusting of others. It is a fine quality, but I feel she should first learn the dangers of the world before venturing out again,” Prince Chun replied, bowing deeply.

As he spoke, the Empress studied Feng Xiaoli covertly. After just a few years apart, it seemed the girl had changed, become utterly inscrutable.

“But I must disagree, Your Highness. Only through experience can one truly understand the treacheries of this world. She is not a caged songbird; you may protect her for a time, but not for life. If one day the cage breaks and the bird escapes, but she has not learned how to fend for herself, what difference is there between that and death? Better to let her go now, to weather the storms and learn to stand on her own.” The Empress likened Feng Xiaoli to a songbird, warning the prince that his approach was misguided. Only by opening the door and letting her brave the elements would she gain true strength.

Prince Chun knew the Empress’s concern for Feng Xiaoli was genuine.

But still—but still—

He could not say it. He truly could not.

The Empress sensed that Prince Chun was hiding something from her and the Emperor, though she could not guess what.

Her words echoed in Prince Chun’s mind, leaving him in silent agony. He did not wish to deceive the Emperor and Empress, but he simply could not bring himself to speak.

Moreover, this marriage—he could not agree to it, no matter what.

“Ali has grown into a charming and graceful young lady, a perfect match for the Crown Prince. I see no flaw in proposing her as his bride. As the legitimate daughter of Prince Chun, her status is most distinguished; she and the Crown Prince would make a truly fitting pair. Do you not agree, Your Highness?”

“I—I—” Prince Chun faltered, unable to speak.

“Crown Prince, what about you? Do you like Ali?” The Empress, ignoring Prince Chun, turned to Yuwen Hao.

He had not expected the question and was momentarily caught off guard. When he recovered, he smiled at Feng Xiaoli. “Ali is just as Mother describes; of course I like her.”

“That’s good to hear. And you, Ali—do you like the Crown Prince?” The Empress asked with a smile.

At last, the question came to her. Until now, with so many great personages present, she had not dared to speak. But now, the Empress had finally asked.

Her face revealed excitement and joy, every emotion plainly written.

She replied, “Your Majesty, I do not wish to.”

The words landed like a stinging slap.