Chapter 57 The Jealous Consort

Li Dehai had just cleared his throat, preparing to sing "Summon the dancing maidens to the palace—", when Wuzhu, the envoy from the Northern Kingdom, stood up first, holding a wine cup, bowed to the throne, and spoke in a loud voice:

"Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Zhou, I, Princess Mingzhu of the Northern Kingdom, wish to personally present a dance to express my gratitude for Your Majesty's hospitality and to showcase the spirit of the people of the Northern Kingdom. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission!"

That's a beautifully crafted statement, elevating the dance performance to the level of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the display of culture, making it hard to refuse.

The hall fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes turned to the throne, then secretly glanced at the stunningly beautiful princess from the Northern Kingdom in her crimson dress.

Yuwen Che's expression remained calm, revealing neither joy nor anger. His gaze swept over Wuzhu, then over Helian Mingzhu, whose chin was slightly raised, radiating a hint of pride and expectation, before finally giving a slight nod.

"Your Highness is too kind. Granted."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Wuzhu was overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude.

Helian Mingzhu also stood up and bowed in the direction of the throne. Her posture was graceful, and her eyes lingered on Yuwen Che's face for a moment.

Seeing this, Li Dehai had no choice but to swallow back the words he was about to say. He waved for the dancers who were waiting to leave and quickly instructed the musicians to prepare music to accompany the northern dance.

The moment Yuwen Che uttered the word "yes," he held Su Luoxue's hand and clearly felt that slightly cool little hand move gently, her fingertips lightly scratching his palm.

He turned his head slightly and saw that Su Luoxue was still sitting upright, looking straight ahead. She seemed calm, but the slightly pouting corners of her lips and the glare she gave him clearly expressed her dissatisfaction and... jealousy.

Yuwen Che almost burst out laughing. It was rare for his Xue'er to show such a lively and playful side. Far from being annoyed, he felt a surge of indescribable joy. He loved seeing her care about him.

Concealed by the wide sleeves of his robe, he tightened his grip on her mischievous little hand, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand with a soothing gesture. He leaned slightly forward and whispered in a voice only the two of them could hear:

Are you jealous?

Su Luoxue's ears turned slightly red. She tried to pull her hand away, but he held it firmly. She could only glare at him reproachfully, turn her head away, and mutter softly, "Who's jealous... Let him jump if he wants."

Looking at her adorable, contradictory expression, Yuwen Che's smile deepened. He tightened his grip on her hand, his gaze returning to the center of the hall, where the Northern Princess had shed her heavy brocade robe, revealing a more form-fitting dance costume adorned with silver bells and colorful gemstones, outlining her graceful figure.

The music begins with an exciting melody full of exotic flavor.

Helian Mingzhu danced to the music, her movements completely different from the graceful and delicate styles of the Central Plains, full of power and wildness. Spinning and leaping, the silver bells on her wrists and ankles jingled, and her crimson skirt was like a blooming flame, carrying a primal and unrestrained beauty that was truly refreshing.

Many ministers watched intently, nodding in approval.

However, although Yuwen Che's gaze was fixed on the arena, his mind was entirely on the slightly cool little hand in his palm. He could feel that as Helian Mingzhu's dance became more and more passionate and her gaze toward the throne became bolder and bolder, the fingers in his palm curled up slightly.

Without making a sound, he placed their clasped hands on his knees, allowing her to feel his presence and warmth more clearly.

No matter how stunning your dance is, or how much effort you put in, my gaze and my heart have already been firmly occupied by the person beside me, leaving no room for anything else.

In the center of the hall, Helian Mingzhu's dance grew increasingly unrestrained and passionate. Like the fiercest flame on the grassland, every spin, every flick of her sleeve, carried an undisguised invitation and allure. Her gaze, like hooks, was repeatedly and precisely cast towards the dark figure on the throne, attempting to ignite that seemingly calm yet profound sea.

The music was stirring, and the silver bells jingled.

Among the assembled officials, some were mesmerized by the dance, secretly admiring the unique charm of the Northern Princess; others frowned slightly, feeling that the dance was too daring and improper; still others, with their deepest thoughts, shifted their gaze back and forth between the dancing princess and the expressionless Emperor, wondering if this princess could truly shake the favor of Consort Chen.

In stark contrast to the diverse thoughts and desires of the people in the hall was Yuwen Hao, who was engrossed in his work. The little fellow paid no heed to the allure of the dances; his eyes were only on the various kinds of pastries that Consort Chen had just given him at Consort De's table. He ate with utmost seriousness, taking small bites, his cheeks bulging like a little hamster storing food.

As he ate, he would occasionally raise his little head, his big, dark eyes peering over the dancing crowd towards the throne, especially the small table in front of his father and Empress Chen—were there more and better new snacks there? Children's thoughts are simple and direct; in his mind, Empress Chen was already synonymous with lots of delicious food.

On his throne, Yuwen Che's face was ashen, seemingly oblivious to the sizzling dance below, his gaze calm and even somewhat indifferent. Only he knew the commotion hidden beneath the table.

Su Luoxue sat upright, maintaining a perfectly dignified smile befitting a noble consort, as if she were completely absorbed in watching the dance. However, under the perfect concealment of her wide skirt and the table, her feet, clad in soft satin embroidered shoes, subtly and with a hint of annoyance, lightly kicked the dragon boot of the person beside her.

The force wasn't strong, but the intention was clear—to show you! To let you allow her to jump!

Yuwen Che was kicked by her jealous little kick, causing him to sway almost imperceptibly. A tiny smile involuntarily crept onto his lips, which he quickly suppressed. Instead of dodging, he firmly planted his kicked foot in place, as if to say, "Kick me all you want."

He still didn't look at Su Luoxue, but he tightened his grip on her hand, gently tracing a line between his fingertips and her palm, a gesture that was both comforting and playful.

Su Luoxue felt the response of his palm and the light stroke, her ears burning even more. She tried to pull her hand away, but he held it firmly. She could only continue to smile, looking straight ahead, while inwardly cursing the man who had attracted so much attention and dared to laugh at her.

Helian Mingzhu brought her dance to its fullest potential, finishing with a magnificent spin and a seductive bowing pose. Her gaze was fixed intently on Yuwen Che, her chest rising and falling slightly with each breath, awaiting the expected praise, or at least a hint of emotion.

The music stopped.

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Yuwen Che seemed to snap out of his reverie and clapped his hands lightly.

"The princess's dance was unique." His tone was flat, without the slightest hint of emotion, as if he had just watched an ordinary performance. "Appreciate it."

There are only these few dry words.

Helian Mingzhu's smile froze instantly. Her brimming anticipation and pride shattered with that cold "reward." She could even hear a few suppressed sneers coming from the room.

Yuwen Che had already turned his gaze away and looked down at Su Luoxue beside him, saying gently, "You've been sitting for so long, are you tired? Would you like me to accompany you back to rest?"

The gentleness in that voice was completely different from the indifference just now.

Helian Mingzhu bit her lower lip hard, almost tasting blood. Was Yuwen Che out of his mind? She was the princess of the Northern Kingdom, and she was the one dancing, yet he was concerned about whether that woman was tired of sitting! Was he insane...?

Su Luoxue gently shook her head and said softly, "I'm not tired. It's rare for me to come out and get some fresh air. Besides..." She looked gently at Yuwen Hao, who was still eating snacks below, "I also want to see Hao'er and play with him for a while."

The natural affection in her voice softened Yuwen Che's expression. He nodded and instructed Li Dehai, "In that case, have the imperial kitchen prepare the meal." Then, as if only then remembering that someone was still standing in the hall, he glanced indifferently at Helian Mingzhu, who remained in her contrite posture, her face flushed and pale, and casually waved his hand.

"Your Highness must be tired, please take a seat."

There were no extra compliments, no polite gestures, and not even a second glance seemed like a waste. It was as if her painstakingly performed dance was no different from any other decoration or background music in the hall.

Helian Mingzhu walked back to her seat almost mechanically, filled with humiliation and confusion. She could even feel the mixed pity and mockery in the eyes of the noblewomen of the Great Zhou Dynasty around her.

After sitting down, she picked up her wine glass and took a big gulp. The spicy liquid slid down her throat, but it couldn't suppress the turbulent waves churning in her heart.

Is Yuwen Che out of his mind?!

She screamed wildly in her heart.

The person who was dancing energetically and exuding charm in the center of the hall just now was me! I was Helian Mingzhu! And him, on the other hand, remained expressionless like a block of wood the whole time. After finishing the dance, he offered only a lukewarm "appreciation," and then turned to ask Su Luoxue, who hadn't moved an inch, if she was tired!

Is he blind? Can't he see my charm? Or does he have a different aesthetic sense, preferring the sickly, frail type who looks like she could be blown away by a gust of wind?

A sense of absurdity and intense frustration almost overwhelmed her. From childhood to adulthood, she had been able to get by in the Northern Kingdom and even the surrounding tribes because of her appearance and status. When had she ever been so thoroughly ignored and contemptuous?

What she couldn't understand even more was—

How could a man whose mind revolves solely around women actually manage to defeat her ambitious and charismatic brother, whom she herself feared, causing the entire Northern Kingdom to live in fear and even forcing them to offer her, the legitimate princess, as a gift to sue for peace?

This completely overturned her understanding! In her view, how could a monarch who was addicted to women and acted so irresponsibly possibly govern a country well and train a powerful army?

But the facts are undeniable. The Great Zhou Dynasty is powerful and its borders are secure. Yuwen Che's iron-fisted approach and military talent have been tested in war.

Could it be that... all his ruthlessness and wisdom were reserved only for the court and the battlefield? And all his tenderness and... was given only to that woman named Su Luoxue?

Looking at Yuwen Che, who was carefully tucking a stray strand of hair from Su Luoxue's sideburns on the throne, she felt a deep doubt for the first time about the purpose of her trip. Could such a man truly be seduced by her?