Chapter 11 The person he has chosen will not be allowed to be touched by anyone else...
Bai Lian returned to her temporary palace with a heavy heart, her steps as slow as if she were carrying a thousand-pound burden.
As dusk settled and the palace lanterns were lit, a long, thin shadow stretched behind her. She stopped in front of the door, hesitant to push it open and enter.
The things she had seen and heard that day kept churning in her mind. The open and subtle stares from those daughters of wealthy families, and their meaningful whispers, all made her feel unprecedented pressure.
I think you should give up as soon as possible!
A sharp voice shattered the tranquility of the courtyard, startling Bai Lian from her reverie. She looked up and saw Shangguan Yaohua standing before the steps, her bright red palace dress accentuating her beautiful face, but her slightly upturned eyes were filled with undisguised mockery.
Bai Lian's eyes were clear and her mind as sharp as a mirror. At this moment, countless eyes inside and outside the courtyard were watching her every move. If she were to get angry, she would be at a disadvantage.
Seeing her remain silent, Shangguan Yaohua grew even more smug. She stepped forward and lowered her voice, "Don't even dream about becoming the Crown Princess." She paused deliberately, a hint of jealousy flashing in her eyes, "And," she lowered her voice even further, with a hint of gritted teeth, "you're not allowed to even consider the First Prince's idea!"
Bai Lian remained standing still, a faint smile even playing on her lips. That smile, cool and serene like moonlight, appeared exceptionally captivating in the deepening twilight, making Shangguan Yaohua's aggressive demeanor all the more laughable.
This calm and composed demeanor was more embarrassing for Shangguan Yaohua than any rebuttal. Her pretty face flushed red, her chest heaved violently, and her carefully drawn eyebrows almost stood on end.
Just as she was about to speak again, Bai Lian gracefully turned to the side, her skirt tracing a beautiful arc on the bluestone pavement, and walked past her with unhurried ease.
"You!" Shangguan Yaohua was furious and was about to reach out to stop her when the carved wooden door closed gently in front of her, shutting out all the noise.
An angry curse came from outside the door, but Bai Lian ignored it and simply shook her head.
Such a refined young lady, yet her words and actions are so vulgar and indecent; she is truly unfit for a refined setting. She slowly walked to the window, gazing at the deepening night outside, her mind clear and lucid.
-
Meanwhile, in the study on the other side of the palace wall, Galo Rin stood by the window.
As dusk settled, his gaze passed over the many palaces and landed in the direction of the Nieran Palace.
Over the past month, he used his undercover agents to thoroughly investigate that scheming woman. The results were quite satisfactory; not only was she stunningly beautiful, but more importantly, she possessed exceptional intelligence.
Her photographic memory, her perseverance in secretly practicing martial arts, and her unique taste among noble ladies all demonstrate her extraordinary character and intellect.
What's even better is that she is the apple of Prime Minister Bai Moyuan's eye, and she also has the powerful Zhenguo Duke's mansion behind her. Marrying her would be equivalent to simultaneously gaining control of two major allies in the court. This bargaining chip is of paramount importance to him.
"Your Highness," a deep voice came from the shadows, "Miss Bai just encountered Miss Shangguan at her residence."
Galorin raised an eyebrow slightly. "Oh? How did she handle it?"
Miss Bai remained silent throughout and calmly departed.
A barely perceptible smile flickered across Galo Lin's lips. Just as he had expected, this woman was not only beautiful, but also possessed extraordinary composure and wisdom. To be able to handle provocations so calmly upon entering the palace was no ordinary person.
Galorin was not a lecherous man; on the contrary, he had always been indifferent to beautiful women. If he had to choose a royal woman as his wife, he would prefer a future partner who could fight alongside him. And Byakuren was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
"Keep an eye on it," he said calmly, "especially what the Empress is up to."
"Yes." The figure in the shadows quietly retreated.
-
The next morning, Bai Lian got up early.
The morning light streamed into the room through the carved window lattice, casting dappled shadows on her plain white nightgown. Since she was too preoccupied to sleep, she decided to dress up carefully and face this inevitable battle in her best light.
This time, the attire she brought to the palace for the re-examination was a departure from her usual bright and dazzling style. She simply ordered Cuizhu to fetch the finest lotus-patterned soft satin, which was then tailored into a wide-sleeved, off-the-shoulder gown. The fabric was an extremely plain moon-white, but Cuizhu cleverly embellished it with delicate gold thread trim, and the hem was embroidered with layers of subtle red lotus patterns in gold and red silk thread. As she moved, the lotus shadows appeared and disappeared, creating a unique, understated yet captivating charm.
Underneath the formal gown, she wore a dark red, low-cut, floor-length inner dress, the hem of which was slightly exposed, perfectly complementing the embroidered pattern on the outer layer, creating a hazy red hue that enhanced the overall effect.
Dressed in such simple attire, she was not ostentatious in public. Only a touch of dark red occasionally spilled across her lapel and around her, like a red plum blossom blooming in the snow, adding a touch of lively vitality to her whole being and making her skin look like jade, noble yet not overstepping the bounds of propriety.
She styled her dark hair into a flowing cloud bun, adorned with only a few exquisitely crafted red lotus hair ornaments, and a small cluster of golden lotus hairpins dangling beside her. Though not adorned with jewels, her hair was remarkably elegant. She wore light makeup, her eyebrows were lightly painted, her lips were lightly touched with nail polish, and a red lotus hairpin swayed gracefully on her forehead.
Apart from that, no further decorations were made. Finally, a long, dark red lotus-patterned silk gauze was tied around her neck, and after tidying herself up, Bai Lian picked up her pipa and went out.
-
Incense smoke curled upwards inside the Nieran Temple.
Shangguan Yaohua was performing a dance. Her graceful figure was evident as her water sleeves fluttered, showing that she had indeed put in a lot of hard work.
She wore a scarlet dance dress adorned with pearls, which shimmered under the palace lights. She twirled and leaped, each movement meticulously designed for perfection.
Empress Shangguan Yun nodded repeatedly, her face showing admiration. She turned to the emperor beside her and whispered, "Yaohua's dancing skills are becoming more and more exquisite."
As the dance ended, Shangguan Yaohua bowed and withdrew, fine beads of sweat appearing on her forehead, but a confident smile playing on her lips.
Shangguan Yun then turned to Jia Fengtian and said softly, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, you should have already made your decision regarding the selection of the Crown Princess, shouldn't you?"
"Oh?" Jia Fengtian's voice was indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger. "Is the Empress's statement a little too hasty?"
Shangguan Yun smiled and calmly replied, "Your Majesty may not know, but I have watched Yaohua grow up since she was a child. She is gentle and kind, and has a dignified demeanor. Seeing her today, I find her even more outstanding. In my opinion, she and Qi'er are a perfect match in age and temperament, truly a match made in heaven."
Prince Jia Yunqi, standing to the side, lowered his eyes and remained silent, playing with the jade fan in his hand, seemingly in agreement.
Behind the beaded curtain, Jialuolin coldly observed everything in the hall. Such vulgar beauties were a perfect match for his puppet brother; those he set his sights on would never be allowed to be touched by anyone else.
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