1Why Is the Third Prince Consort Still Kneeling?
When Lu Ronghuai arrived, he saw from afar that slender, frail figure standing alone in the snow and ice, enduring the unrestrained scrutiny of passing palace servants.
He moved beneath a snow-laden pine and stopped two or three zhang away. His thin lips pressed tight. A cold darkness gathered in his eyes. His brows drew faintly together, his face unable to conceal the doubts in his heart.
Why was everything unfolding exactly as it had in his dream?
Even the words his Father Emperor had spoken in Qianzheng Hall matched the dream without a single deviation.
The dream had been strange and unsettling, vivid as if it had truly happened. It felt less like fantasy and more like warning.
He lowered his gaze in thought, then called Xian Feng over. “Accompany the Consort inside.”
Xian Feng stepped before Chu Yuan and explained the instruction. Chu Yuan looked faintly surprised.
Only this one guard had followed Lu Ronghuai into the palace today. Now that he was being sent over, did that mean Lu Ronghuai did not trust him?
Chu Yuan had stood outside the palace gate for a full half shichen. The wind had frozen his hands and feet numb. The moment he stepped inside, warmth rushed toward him.
Fengqi Palace burned with dilong, warm as spring. The Empress sat upright in the main seat. Consorts lined both sides, their gazes sweeping toward him in unison.
The women seated there varied in beauty, each possessing her own style. Yet at this moment, every one of them thought the same thing: this person was far too good-looking.
Truly red lips and white teeth, a face like peach blossoms.
“This son greets Mother Empress and wishes Mother Empress a peaceful phoenix body.”
Chu Yuan lifted the tea cup above his head and knelt calmly to present it. His movements were precise and fluid, without a single fault.
A palace maid stepped forward, received the cup from his hands, and carefully placed it upon the carved sandalwood table beside the Empress.
Empress Liu’s features were plain, yet authority radiated from her every gesture.
She lifted the cup with unhurried grace, blew lightly across its surface, then turned toward Noble Consort Xu seated below.
“Noble Consort Xu, this Snow Mountain Pine Mist was presented as tribute not long ago. Taste it and see how it is.”
Noble Consort Xu smiled. “Tea from Your Majesty’s palace is naturally the finest. How fortunate we are to partake of it today.”
“Indeed. This subject sees how clear and bright the liquor is. A rare treasure.”
“It is said Snow Mountain Pine Mist grows only in the harshest conditions. Years are required to gather even three jin. Such a treasure could only belong to Your Majesty.”
The consorts chattered over one another in flattery.
Chu Yuan knelt upon the floor. The others behaved as though he did not exist, conversing with growing animation.
The Empress listened to their flattery. A faint smile curved her lips before she lifted her hand to silence them. “Consort Ye, what do you think of this tea?”
Startled, Ye Consort rose quickly. “Thank you for the tea, Your Majesty. This subject finds this tea excellent.”
“Oh? And how is it good?”
Ye Consort’s hands twisted together. Her lips paled, her voice so low it was almost inaudible. “This… this subject finds the flavor full, the fragrance lingering.”
As soon as she finished speaking, laughter of ridicule rippled through the hall.
Noble Consort Xu shook her head. “You are from a proper third-rank household, yet so shallow. Snow Mountain Pine Mist is famed for its lightness, like falling snow, with a pine fragrance that lingers faintly, elusive yet haunting.”
Consort Ye’s face paled.
The Empress’s smile did not change. She allowed Consort Ye to sit, then swept her gaze around the great hall and saying unhurriedly, “I have always preferred things light and understated. Those overly rich and gaudy objects grow tiresome to the eye.”
Noble Consort Xu smiled. “Bamboo and pine endure all four seasons. Flowers, though dazzling, fade quickly.”
Her gaze flicked toward Chu Yuan.
Who in this palace didn’t know that the Empress had plain features and didn’t win the Emperor’s heart? What she detested most was Noble Consort Ning, Lu Ronghuai’s birth mother.
Now Lu Ronghuai had married a consort as beautiful as an immortal. The Empress could only feel greater resentment.
Chu Yuan knelt quietly, unmoved by the layered mockery and his expression respectfully submissive as always.
Empress Liu’s gaze rested upon his face. She turned the jade bracelet at her wrist. “Why is the Third Prince Consort still kneeling? Grant him a seat.”
“Thank you, Mother Empress.”
After speaking, Chu Yuan remained kneeling without moving.
A chair was brought. Xian Feng stepped forward swiftly and helped the man whose knees trembled faintly into the seat, concealing the weakness in his legs.
“Thank you,” Chu Yuan murmured.
“Mother Empress!”
The Third Princess Ling Shuang burst inside in red silk, jewels chiming along with her voice sweet and charming. “I heard Third Imperial Sister-in-law entered the palace. Mother, this daughter wants to take him skating.”
Empress Liu looked at her daughter with feigned reproach. “Your sister-in-law comes from the south. He does not know how. Go play by yourself.”
“No, no! Even if Third Imperial Sister-in-law does not know how, this daughter can teach him. Mother Empress, please allow Third Imperial Sister-in-law to go.”
Ling Shuang clung to Empress Liu’s arm and wheedled.
Empress Liu shook her head with feigned helplessness. “If your Third Imperial Sister-in-law agrees, this palace naturally will not obstruct.”
Ling Shuang turned at once to Chu Yuan.
Just now she hadn't gotten a clear look at Chu Yuan’s appearance. Now seeing him clearly up close, her expression changed several times before returning to an innocent, adorable look. She walked over and grabbed Chu Yuan’s arm. “Third Imperial Sister-in-law, it is noisy here. Come out with me.”
Chu Yuan hadn’t expected her strength to be so great. His legs, numb from kneeling, hadn’t fully recovered. Being yanked like this, he nearly fell.
Just as he was about to embarrass himself, Xian Feng timely reached out to steady him.
“Princess, His Highness’s Consort has a weak constitution and cannot run. Please walk more slowly.”
A flash of impatience crossed Ling Shuang’s eyes. Turning her face, she was all obedience again. then smiled sweetly. “Very well. Then Third Imperial Sister-in-law, you go slowly. No rush.”
Outside, they reached the Imperial Pond, where servants gathered.
“Third Imperial Sister-in-law, the ice layer here is very thick and so much fun. Come try it quickly.” Ling Shuang handed the knee guards to Chu Yuan, her face full of excitement.
Chu Yuan shook his head. “I do not know how. Princess, you play. I will watch.”
Princess Ling Shuang was eighteen this year. Unmarried, she could not leave the palace freely. Winter was desolate and dull. Thus, ice skating was her greatest amusement.
Seeing there was no room to decline, Chu Yuan accepted the knee guards.
“Third Imperial Sister-in-law, come down from here.”
Ling Shuang was already standing on the ice. She raised a hand and beckoned to him.
Chu Yuan pressed his lips together.
Xian Feng stood behind him and spoke in a low voice. “Princess Ling Shuang is willful and overindulged. After the Prince Consort goes down, do not move toward the center of the pool. This subordinate will remain on the shore.”
Chu Yuan nodded.
He secured the knee guards, held the railing, and descended carefully, placing his foot onto the ice.
Ling Shuang’s face bloomed into a bright smile. She walked over and seized Chu Yuan’s arm.
“Third Imperial Sister-in-law, hold the railing first and circle once.”
Before Chu Yuan could respond, she dragged him forward.
Chu Yuan had only just steadied himself. Now pulled abruptly, his body lurched two steps ahead. His balance collapsed. He fell forward, face-first.
Ahead stood a square pillar with sharply cut edges.
If he struck it, his face would be certainly ruined.
A chill flashed through Chu Yuan’s eyes.
In that split second, just as he was about to raise his hand, someone seized his arm. A powerful force came from behind, forcibly pulling him upright.
✧ A Word from the Author ✧
At this moment, a certain someone surnamed Lu passes by, dog head emoji.
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