Chapter 18

Chapter 18: The Beloved

Uncle Chu seldom saw noble ladies in the capital who were so poised and confident, yet with a slyness reminiscent of a little fox, full of lively spirit. Miss Xie, the Third Young Lady of the House of Marquis Zhongyi, truly lived up to the title of "The Capital’s Most Distinguished Noble Lady." Uncle Chu turned to the Emperor with a smile, saying, “The Third Miss of the Zhongyi Marquisate is truly unlike the usual ladies of noble birth.”

Qin Yu raised his eyebrows slightly but said nothing.

Uncle Chu knew well the nature of his nephew; he was not one to be easily swayed by beauty. So he did not press further and instead said, “Your Majesty has been enthroned for nearly half a year now. I wonder if there is a lady who has captured Your Majesty’s heart? Many great families in the capital are surely keeping a close watch on Your Majesty’s harem.”

Of course, Uncle Chu was not included in this, for although he belonged to the House of the Duke of Chu, his heart was not truly with the family. Years ago, he had fallen in love with a woman from the martial world. The old Duke of Chu, disdaining her lowly status, forbade their union, even declaring that if Uncle Chu insisted on being with her, he would no longer be considered part of the House of Chu. Uncle Chu was willing to relinquish his noble status just to be with the woman he loved.

But the old Duke went so far as to harm the woman Uncle Chu loved with despicable means. Since her passing, Uncle Chu had remained unmarried all these years. He knew the House of Chu was exerting all their efforts to send Chu Youning into the palace, but he cared little for it, feeling that his niece was not well taught by the Empress Dowager.

Only the House of Chu dared to dream of the empress’s throne, Uncle Chu thought with a hint of irony in his eyes.

Qin Yu cast a glance toward the Lotus Pavilion, where the young lady who had just left had already changed into a gown of soft misty purple silk, draped with a purple veil. Her appearance was delicate and graceful, as if she were a fairy stepping on clouds.

The people below were already asking what dance she intended to perform today.

The Emperor idly toyed with a porcelain cup, smiling faintly, “There is indeed a preliminary choice.”

Uncle Chu was momentarily surprised that His Majesty actually had someone in mind. His usually calm and gentle expression shifted for the first time as he asked, “Oh? Which family’s young lady is so fortunate?”

From the Emperor’s tone, it was certainly not Youning. Uncle Chu could not guess who it might be.

Eunuch Li’s brow twitched slightly, as he seemed to have an inkling of whom the Emperor was referring to.

The Emperor said simply, “A lady from the capital.”

A capital lady… that meant one of the noble daughters of the capital’s prominent families. Though curious, Uncle Chu did not press for details, smiling again, “The lady Your Majesty favors must be the finest.”

It was clear that the Emperor had not yet reached the stage of love, but he remained silent.

“What dance does Sister Shu intend to perform?” Chu Youning looked at the young lady in the soft purple silk gown before her, her beauty striking, and asked with a playful smile.

If it came to the refined arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—the Third Miss of the Zhongyi Marquisate and Chu Youning were evenly matched. But when it came to dance, Youning felt no one could surpass her, for not only could she perform the elegant Feather Dance, she had also created several original dances, earning high praise even from her aunt.

Today, she was determined to outshine Miss Xie.

“I plan to perform the Ribbon Dance, accompanied by my younger sister on the zither,” said Xie Shu with a gentle demeanor, showing no hint of being overshadowed by Chu Youning. Her smile was radiant as she spoke.

The “younger sister” she referred to was none other than Xie Qingyan. Chu Youning glanced dismissively at the delicate-looking Qingyan behind her sister, clearly not taking her seriously, though her expression betrayed no flaw. She turned to her maid and said, “Fetch my qin.”

If she could surpass Xie Shu in dance today, then tomorrow she could outdo her in other areas as well. The title of Empress would surely belong to the House of Chu.

Xie Qingyan noticed the disdain in Chu Youning’s eyes and clenched her small fists tightly. This noble daughter of the House of Chu was clearly bullying her Third Sister. She resolved to cooperate closely with her sister and never allow anyone to look down on the daughters of the Zhongyi Marquisate.

The other noble ladies present sensed the tension between Chu Youning and Xie Shu but dared not speak out under the roof of the House of Chu. They remained silent, for Chu Youning’s status was high, and she was the most likely candidate for the empress’s throne.

The maid soon brought Chu Youning’s qin, a gift from the Empress Dowager. Chu Youning placed the instrument on the stand and had tea and pastries served. The assembled noble ladies settled into their seats.

The Third Miss of the Zhongyi Marquisate was both beautiful and talented. Her dancing skills must be exceptional, or this gathering would have become awkward. This was clearly a pointed challenge.

“Third Sister, are you ready?” Xie Qingyan asked softly as she tuned the strings.

Xie Shu remained calm, her smile bright as springtime. “I am ready. I’ll leave the accompaniment to you.”

Though it had been a while since she last danced, she had not forgotten how.

Xie Qingyan had once sought her sister’s guidance whenever she had free time during her early days learning zither and qin. If her sister was in the mood, she would accompany her with music while she danced. Their collaboration was seamless. Upon hearing that her sister would dance the Ribbon Dance, Xie Qingyan had already decided on the music.

She nodded to her sister and then focused on the strings, plucking three notes in quick succession, producing a clear, melodious sound.

As the strings vibrated, all eyes in the garden turned toward the two. More precisely, they focused on Xie Shu.

Among them were the young Emperor and Uncle Chu in the Lotus Pavilion.

Xie Shu lightly tapped her feet, the purple veil flowing as she moved in rhythm with the music. Her slender waist swayed like a willow leaf, graceful and supple. The hem of her dress fluttered like a butterfly about to take flight.

A single glance revealed that the Third Miss of the Zhongyi Marquisate was not only skilled in dance but truly gifted.

A common dancer could not evoke such feelings with the Ribbon Dance. If Chu Youning intended to overshadow her with this, she was destined to fail.

Chu Youning’s expression darkened considerably. She had prided herself on being unmatched in dancing skills, yet she had not expected Xie Shu to be so talented. A simple Ribbon Dance was transformed by her into a fluttering butterfly, a fairy lightly treading the waves.

As the music swelled, Xie Shu’s twirling quickened, as if walking on clouds. Her veil and ribbons fluttered in the breeze, framing her exquisite features. She was so beautiful that no one could look away. A faint smile lingered on her lips, and her eyes sparkled with delicate charm.

She seemed to merge entirely with the Ribbon Dance she performed.

The Emperor’s gaze was unusually focused, his pupils dark and deep, his thoughts inscrutable.

Uncle Chu glanced at the young lady dancing so gracefully below and withdrew his gaze. The young ladies of the capital all had a stubborn streak. Uncle Chu was about to speak to the Emperor when he noticed the Emperor’s eyes remained fixed on the scene. Uncle Chu pondered silently—could it be that the Emperor’s choice was…?

Even Xie Qingyan could not contain her excitement, her eyes shining brightly. She had always known her Third Sister was remarkable.

The music ceased, and Xie Shu’s movements came to a gentle stop. The breeze ruffled her black hair, adding an indescribable beauty.

The noble ladies exchanged glances, all agreeing that the title "The Capital’s Most Distinguished Noble Lady" truly belonged to the Third Miss of the Xie family, as if there was nothing she could not do.

“I knew Sister Shu was being modest just now. That dance was not one of hidden talents,” Chu Youning said, reading the expressions around her. She realized she had miscalculated; she should not have rushed to outshine Xie Shu. Yet she had no way to retreat. With a composed smile, she approached Xie Shu.

“Not as exquisite as Sister Chu’s dancing,” Xie Shu replied softly with a slight tilt of her head.

Had she said this before her performance, Chu Youning would have believed it. But after watching that dance, she found it hard to accept. Though Xie Shu’s movements were simpler, her dance was lively and spirited like a sprite, revealing natural talent. With other dances, she might even surpass Chu Youning.

Chu Youning forced a smile, her expression turning noticeably colder. “Not at all. I see Sister Shu’s dancing is no less than others’. And Miss Xie Qingyan’s music was delightful. No wonder people say the Zhongyi Marquisate is the best at cultivating their daughters.”

No matter how well they trained their daughters, Chu Youning would not allow Xie Shu to surpass her. Even if they became consorts together, she would outshine her.

With that, Chu Youning summoned attendants to present two jade Ruyi pendants to Xie Shu and Xie Qingyan, fulfilling all formalities.

Ignoring the coldness in her gaze, this gesture was impeccable. Yet her outward warmth toward others contrasted sharply with her inner feelings. Uncle Chu noticed this from the Lotus Pavilion, and so did the Emperor. Uncle Chu thought his niece had no chance of entering the palace at all.

He took a sip of tea and asked the Emperor, “Your Majesty, shall we descend?”

“Let’s go,” Qin Yu said, trying hard to ignore the familiar feeling in his chest. He lifted his fingers slightly, smoothing the folds of his golden-sleeved robe, and spoke in a low voice.

Accompanied by Uncle Chu, the Emperor descended from the Lotus Pavilion. Eunuch Li and the palace attendants hurried after them. Soon, a long, drawn call echoed from the Lotus Pavilion—

“His Majesty has arrived.”

All the noble ladies were startled and promptly knelt down. “Your humble servant pays respects to His Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long live, long live forever.”