Chapter 21: Are You Betrothed?

It had been a long time since the Empress Dowager last saw Rong Zhao, and in her urgency, she lost her usual composure and rose to walk toward him. "You ungrateful child, you don’t even come to the palace often to see your mother!"

By her side, Nurse Du waved her hand subtly, whispering, "Everyone else, you may leave now."

"Yes."

Once the surrounding palace attendants had all withdrawn, Rong Zhao finally spoke. "My son's health has not fully recovered for a long time; I feared transmitting illness to Your Majesty, so I have been reluctant to enter the palace."

"If I were afraid of such a minor ailment, why would I write to you again and again?" The Empress Dowager’s eyes grew moist as she looked him over. "Indeed, you’ve put on some flesh since last time."

She then glanced sideways at the young woman behind Rong Zhao, her smile fading slightly. "Is this the girl who saved your life last time?"

"Yes." Rong Zhao calmly shielded Sheng Mingyue and said in a serious tone, "If not for Mingyue, Mother would never have seen her son again."

"Is that so?" The Empress Dowager sized up Sheng Mingyue, her voice even.

Sheng Mingyue knelt and bowed with perfect propriety, flawless in every detail. "Your servant Mingyue greets the Empress Dowager, wishing her boundless peace and longevity."

The Empress Dowager cast a sidelong glance at her, a hint of approval in her eyes, and whispered, "Clever girl. Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Sheng Mingyue rose slowly, her face lowered demurely, appearing obedient and gentle.

"Lift your head."

Hesitantly, Sheng Mingyue raised her eyes but kept them lowered, not daring to meet the noble gaze directly.

"Your appearance is quite delicate," the Empress Dowager nodded, then turned her gaze back to Rong Zhao. "Though somewhat too thin. I wonder if she is comfortable serving others."

Rong Zhao took a seat to one side, resting his hand near his lips as he lightly cleared his throat to quell the tickle in his throat, then spoke in a low voice, "Thanks to Mingyue’s efforts and resourcefulness, I’ve been able to eat something."

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager regarded Sheng Mingyue thoughtfully. Something seemed to occur to her, and she smiled more gently. "Good girl, you deserve a reward."

Sheng Mingyue was about to kneel again out of courtesy. "Your Majesty’s kindness is too great. I am unworthy. It is my duty to ease my master’s burdens."

"No more kneeling." Rong Zhao slightly turned his body and held her arm softly. "If your wounds reopen, they will be hard to heal."

"This..." Sheng Mingyue stiffened, her gaze fixed on Rong Zhao’s face as she whispered, "My lord, this is against protocol."

The Empress Dowager glanced at Rong Zhao’s hand resting on Sheng Mingyue’s arm and her eyes flashed with meaning. She said softly, "Her wounds were sustained while saving Zhao’er. He does not want you to kneel; speak standing up."

Sheng Mingyue’s heart was filled with fear, and she quietly replied, "Yes."

As dusk fell, the two finally left Shoukang Palace.

Looking at her son’s receding figure, the Empress Dowager pondered for a moment and whispered, "Du Ruo, what do you think... about granting that girl to Zhao’er as a concubine?"

Nurse Du was stunned and followed her gaze toward the departing pair. "Does Your Majesty wish to bring good fortune to the lord?"

"Something like that. Go find out more about that girl’s background." The Empress Dowager’s eyes narrowed, voice grave. "I sense Zhao’er cares for her somewhat. She’s clever. If her family background is pure, making her a close concubine wouldn’t be impossible."

---

"Zhao’er has never interacted with other women before; his heart is simple and kind. If that girl’s background is unclear, she must be removed quickly."

Nurse Du understood and bowed her head. "Your Majesty, rest assured. This old servant will handle it at once."

-

Night fell and the sound of brass instruments filled the air. The grand hall was brilliantly lit, with officials gathering in small groups to converse, while palace servants busily attended to their duties in an orderly manner.

"The Emperor arrives—"

"The Empress Dowager arrives—"

The voices of young eunuchs outside the hall caused an immediate hush inside.

The Emperor wore a dragon robe, majestic and dignified. Beside him stood the Empress Dowager, followed by princes and princesses.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress Dowager, may she be blessed with mercy and longevity as eternal as the southern mountains!"

All officials knelt together, their congratulatory voices echoing through the hall.

The Emperor walked with measured steps to the elevated platform and took his seat firmly before the golden throne. He said in a deep voice, "Rise, all of you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Clearing his throat, the Emperor looked down at the ministers and said softly, "Tonight I host this banquet to celebrate the Empress Dowager’s birthday. You need not be formal. Whoever can bring a smile to the Empress Dowager tonight will be richly rewarded!"

Music and dance commenced, and officials presented their gifts one by one, all eager to make an impression before the Emperor.

Rong Zhao remained unmoved. If anyone tried to approach with a cup of wine to flatter him, he would cough a few times, discouraging them. Thus, everyone soon gave up and avoided him like a viper.

Sheng Mingyue knelt at his side, occasionally helping him with food and tea.

Rong Zhao had no appetite and little interest, eating only the dishes she served throughout the evening.

Rong Yan happened to be seated diagonally across from them and could see the harmonious and affectionate interaction between the two.

In just four or five days, Sheng Mingyue’s once gaunt face had grown fuller, and her complexion greatly improved.

"My lord, try this Osmanthus fish fin," Sheng Mingyue whispered as she leaned closer. "In the palace, nobles often favor this dish."

Rong Zhao nodded faintly, a gentle smile curling his lips. "If my benefactor likes it, I will have the chefs in the mansion learn to prepare it."

Sheng Mingyue’s hand paused as she scooped soup and muttered softly, "If my lord behaves so unorthodoxly, who really is the master..."

She thought her voice was low, but her words were perfectly clear to Rong Zhao’s ears.

He lowered his head and chuckled, his gaze like spring waters rippling—helpless yet indulgent as he looked at her.

Rong Yan stared fixedly across the hall, his fingers tightening around the jade wine cup.

---

He had seen Sheng Mingyue’s shy and timid demeanor more than once, and now, she was once again flattering others in this manner.

So humble, so utterly degrading!

Rong Yan suppressed the darkness in his eyes and glanced slightly at Jin Song behind him.

The latter nodded knowingly and quietly withdrew from the hall.

Yun Shengsheng sat with her mother in the middle row, leaning slightly forward as she searched for Rong Yan.

Finally spotting him, she found him staring blankly in one direction.

Following his gaze, her eyes settled on Sheng Mingyue, dressed in emerald green. At first, she was stunned, then an overwhelming jealousy twisted her heart.

That wretched maid again!

Why was she everywhere, like a relentless ghost?

Yun Shengsheng bit her silver teeth tightly, nearly tearing the handkerchief in her hand, and whispered, "I really underestimated you!"

"Sheng’er, don’t whisper." Lady Lin gently reminded her, "Many are watching. You must not lose your composure."

Yun Shengsheng closed her eyes and forced down her anger. "I understand."

After several rounds of drinking and tasting various dishes, most officials had presented their gifts. Yun Zhongkui slowly stood to deliver the final presentation. "Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, I present my birthday gift today."

With that, a screen was carried into the hall by several attendants. The screen was embroidered with gold and silver threads, depicting a vivid phoenix with brilliant feathers, exquisite and luxurious.

The Empress Dowager’s eyes instantly brightened, the drowsiness vanishing, and she sat up straighter. "Beautiful! Truly lifelike!"

The Emperor, smelling of wine and slightly hoarse, said, "Minister Yun, you have won my favor!"

Yun Zhongkui bowed humbly. "I am unworthy. This is merely a token of respect. Your Majesty and Empress Dowager, this piece was embroidered by my youngest daughter, Yun Shengsheng, and I present it to show filial piety."

Hearing this, the Empress Dowager was even more delighted and called out, "Is your daughter here today?"

"My daughter Yun Shengsheng greets Your Majesty and Empress Dowager." Yun Shengsheng rose at the right moment and offered a grand bow. "May the Empress Dowager enjoy blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity as eternal as the Southern Mountains."

The Empress Dowager found her strikingly beautiful and liked her more the longer she looked. She quickly turned to the Emperor and whispered, "Your Majesty, this girl is quite remarkable."

The Emperor squinted and looked down at her, his intoxication blurring his vision, unable to see her clearly. He casually asked, "Is the Yun family’s daughter betrothed?"