The Enchanting Empress Dowager Is Really Poisonous

Chapter 41: Marriage! Ziche Moyao

Leng Jiu wanted to say that the dead couldn’t see, but Long Yueli seemed to hope she could gain his mother’s approval. She didn’t say much more, obediently kowtowing three times, “Madam, my name is Leng Jiu, and you probably haven’t seen me before.”

Long Yueli gently patted her head, “Wrong. You should call her Mother.”

Leng Jiu hesitated, meeting his eyes, “Uh… can I call her that before we’re married?”

Long Yueli lowered his head and kissed her on the forehead. “Let’s kneel together and let her witness our marriage, all right?”

“Today is her death anniversary…” Leng Jiu wanted to say more but was interrupted by Long Yueli, “She would be very happy, and there’s no better day than today.”

“Uh…” Leng Jiu couldn’t find words to refute. Long Yueli didn’t give her much chance to speak either. He carried her back to the Xuan Prince’s residence and entered a courtyard she’d been to before. The courtyard was tranquil, devoid of people but meticulously clean, obviously well-maintained.

He opened the door, revealing a woman’s bedroom. Pale purple gauze curtains, white carpets, a carved bed, and an exquisite dressing table filled the room.

Long Yueli released Leng Jiu’s hand and used his inner force to retrieve a box from under the bed. Carefully placing it on the table, he opened it.

Leng Jiu’s eyes flickered. Inside the box were two sets of wedding attire, complete with a jade crown and phoenix hairpin, all embroidered with dragons and phoenixes in intricate detail, clearly prepared with care.

Long Yueli took her hand, holding her shoulder gently. “She prepared these for me during her final year. She finished them the day she passed. I believe she would want us to wear them today.”

Leng Jiu cupped his face. “You haven’t told me about your mother yet.”

Long Yueli kissed her hand. “I’ll tell you tonight. For now, would you wear this for me?”

“Li,” Leng Jiu tiptoed to kiss his lips lightly. “Don’t ask me such silly questions.”

Long Yueli’s enchanting face was filled with seriousness. “But I want to hear you say it.”

Touched, Leng Jiu stepped back, held his hand, and smiled softly, answering seriously, “I’m willing.”

Finally, a satisfied and unrestrained smile bloomed on Long Yueli’s handsome face. He pulled her into a tight embrace, letting out a long sigh, “Jiu’er!”

Long Yueli carefully dressed Leng Jiu in the elaborate wedding attire. His actions were serious, almost reverent, as he adorned her step by step. Then, he arranged her hair, fixed the hairpin, and finally gently placed the red veil over her head.

Leng Jiu didn’t interrupt, following his movements and letting him dress her entirely. Then she stood quietly, waiting for him.

Long Yueli donned his own wedding attire, a striking red that seemed custom-made for him, making him breathtakingly handsome.

Looking at her through the veil, Long Yueli’s expression softened as he held her hand. “Let’s go.”

The two flew to the gravesite. It was no longer cold and desolate but adorned with a red carpet, offerings, and two bright red candles burning steadily.

Leng Jiu didn’t ask further. Hand in hand, they walked forward. Kneeling together, they bowed three times before the tombstone.

Standing up, Leng Jiu smiled gently at the gravestone. “I can call you Mother now.”

Long Yueli embraced her tightly. “Jiu’er, thank you.”

Leng Jiu playfully winked behind the veil. “So, is it husband and wife now?”

Long Yueli smiled. “Yes, my wife.”

Pretending to be shy, Leng Jiu leaned closer, teasingly saying, “Husband.”

The tone was playful, but it made Long Yueli’s heart swell with joy. Leng Jiu, unable to keep a straight face, broke into laughter herself.

Long Yueli lifted the veil, brought out a cup of wine, and they drank it together, their arms intertwined. The candlelight illuminated their figures as wax dripped, resembling joyful tears from his mother, blessing them.

Though they were now married, Long Yueli didn’t take Leng Jiu back to the bridal chamber. Instead, they lay on the grass on the other side of the hill, the heavens as their witness.

Leng Jiu rested her head on Long Yueli’s arm, gazing at the stars. “You didn’t know I’d come today, so how did you prepare all this?”

Long Yueli caressed her cheek. “I went to the palace to find you today.”

Leng Jiu’s gaze darkened slightly, understanding the unspoken part. She hadn’t been in the palace.

Long Yueli kissed her forehead. “I was prepared to spend the night mourning her alone as in previous years, but your sudden appearance… You were destined to be my wife.”

Leng Jiu turned to face him. “You still haven’t told me about your mother.”

After a pause, Long Yueli said, “You’ve heard of the seven tokens of the Qianying Guard, haven’t you?”

It wasn’t a question but a statement. Leng Jiu nodded. “I’ve heard.”

Long Yueli gazed at the sky. “The Hua family is the same one from hundreds of years ago. Over the centuries, they’ve risen and fallen, enduring near extinction several times. Two hundred years ago, they withdrew from politics. The world knows my mother married the emperor to repay a life debt. The emperor treated her with utmost favor…”

Long Yueli let out a mocking laugh. “But no one knows she disfigured herself with three deep cuts to avoid entering the palace. Even divine medicine couldn’t restore her beauty. Tell me, why did the emperor, surrounded by beautiful women, insist on marrying her despite her ruined face?”

Leng Jiu immediately understood. Romanticized tales often concealed harsh truths. What was claimed to be love was often nothing more than political gain.

“She didn’t want to marry him, but the emperor’s tactics were ruthless. For the sake of the Hua family, she had no choice but to submit and even bore me. Knowing she wouldn’t abandon me, he publicly showered me with love, trapping her in the palace for years. She couldn’t leave until the old emperor’s death, but by then, her body was frail. She lived for only four more years after I rescued her.”

Leng Jiu said nothing, turning to embrace him. She couldn’t fully grasp the pain of losing someone so dear until she almost lost Leng Yirou herself. Watching her sister nearly die had been devastating; how much more unbearable it must have been for him to lose his mother.

They didn’t speak further, silently holding each other until dawn. Then, they returned to the room. Leng Jiu stayed with Long Yueli until noon, folded her wedding dress neatly, and stood by his side. As he slept peacefully, a soft smile graced his lips. Leng Jiu felt a pang in her heart, kissed him gently, and vowed never to let him go.

Back at the palace, Leng Jiu was greeted with news: after nearly a month of inactivity, Xue Nation launched its second attack—not against Prince Xiao Qin’s forces but a surprise attack on another border. Overnight, they captured a major city, creating two breaches in Fengyu’s defenses.

The court was in chaos, and even Long Yi, who had recently been in high spirits over Hua Yuxuan’s pregnancy, was no longer smiling.

At the same time, a war broke out between the Grassland’s new king, Mo Di, and Prince Chi Yin. The once-unified grasslands were now embroiled in bloodshed.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, the usual festive atmosphere was absent. Fengyu was shrouded in gloom, and even the traditional autumn hunt was canceled.

Just as Leng Jiu thought Long Yi would remain silent, an imperial edict broke the tension—Hua Yuxuan was to be crowned empress.

“An empress, huh?” Leng Jiu lazily lounged on a chaise, smiling faintly. “It’s about time he made her empress.”

There were seven days left until the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Long Yi had set the Empress’s enthronement ceremony on that very day. Seven days was neither too long nor too short, but it was still a tight timeframe for such a major event, so everything was kept simple.

What was expected to be a somber Mid-Autumn Festival suddenly became bustling with activity due to this announcement. The palace quickly became busy with preparations. As the de facto head of the harem, Leng Jiu was supposed to oversee everything, but since Long Yi didn’t assign her the task, she couldn’t be bothered and left it to Yuan Fei and Xue Fei to handle.

While everyone else was busy, Leng Jiu and Long Yue Li were the most idle. Oh, and Long Yue Li, too. He wandered off during the day and came to Weiyang Palace at night to report in. The two paid no attention to outside affairs, enjoying their carefree little world together.

However, leisure never lasts forever. After all, there are always people who, despite being unprovoked, insist on creating trouble—like the current Minister of Rites.

“Your Majesty, traditionally, the Empress’s residence is Weiyang Palace. When there was no empress in the harem, it was not inappropriate for the Empress Dowager to reside there. But now that a new empress is being established, shouldn’t the Empress Dowager relocate to Cian Palace?”

A single statement from the Minister of Rites during the morning court session left everyone stunned. However, his reasoning wasn’t without merit. Weiyang Palace and Changle Palace were originally intended as the Emperor and Empress’s residences. Now that the Empress Dowager occupied Weiyang Palace, it indeed seemed improper. Just as someone was about to voice their agreement, Long Yi abruptly ended the session with a wave of his sleeve, leaving the officials to exchange bewildered looks.

The Minister of Rites glanced at Prince De. After everyone had left, he approached and asked, “Your Highness, what does His Majesty mean by this?”

Prince De glanced at the dragon throne. “Summon the officials over the next two days to submit memorials to the Emperor. I’m sure you all know what to propose. Make sure the Empress Dowager moves out of Weiyang Palace.”

“Understood!”

While Prince De and his faction were busy plotting, they were unaware that their every move was being monitored by Leng Jiu. Lounging lazily on her couch with Kano in her arms, her posture was relaxed, almost boneless. Leng Jiu suddenly called out softly, “Lu Chang.”

“Your servant is here!” Lu Chang had been standing by.

Leng Jiu lowered her gaze. “It seems you haven’t had much to do lately.”

Lu Chang smiled. “Is Her Majesty suggesting it’s time to give me some tasks?”

“Not a bad idea!” Leng Jiu nodded and smiled. “I’ve recently taken an interest in counting the private treasuries of the officials in Fengyu.”

Lu Chang immediately understood. “In that case, your servant will ensure each treasury is thoroughly accounted for.”

“Hmm, but private treasuries aren’t that interesting. Remember to include the concubines and such in each household. That’s what I’m more curious about,” Leng Jiu added casually.

“Your servant understands.”

Leng Jiu smiled and waved her hand. “Go on, then! Stop getting in my way.”

Lu Chang remained composed, smiling as he backed away. “Your servant takes his leave.”

That very night, most of the court officials received a brand-new ledger. It detailed the silver stored in their private treasuries, the backgrounds of their various concubines, and even their darkest, most well-hidden secrets. On the last page, a clear message was written: Lu Chang of Weiyang Palace greets all the esteemed officials! If anything is missing, please let us know, and we will certainly correct it!

Many officials were left dumbfounded, spitting blood internally. The investigation was so thorough it felt like their ancestors had been unearthed. What was there to “correct”? It was like a death sentence! But those five words, Lu Chang of Weiyang Palace, were enough to serve as a loud warning. Earlier that day, Prince De had urged them to submit memorials, and that very night, they received such a message from the steward of Weiyang Palace. The implications were clear—Weiyang Palace’s occupant knew everything. Helping Prince De and Prince Xiao Qin? Only if they no longer cared about their official hats—or their lives.

Thus, the next day’s morning court session proceeded smoothly. The officials handled state affairs with utmost seriousness. Prince De, standing at the forefront, nearly squinted himself blind in frustration as he was ignored by everyone.

“Minister Chen!” After court was dismissed, Prince De, his face dark with anger, called out to the Minister of Rites. The other officials, sensing his impending wrath, quickly slipped away.

“Haha, Your Highness! This minister has urgent matters to attend to at home and dares not linger. Please forgive me!” The Minister of Rites replied with a nervous chuckle.

“What happened today?” Prince De strode forward, glaring at him.

The Minister of Rites took a few steps back. “I truly have matters to attend to. Please forgive me, Your Highness! I must take my leave!”

With several hasty bows, he turned and fled.

“Fools!” Prince De was livid, but he had no idea what had caused them to change their stance.

—

In Furu Palace, seeing Prince De enter with an angry expression, Hua Yuxuan couldn’t help but ask curiously, “Father, what’s wrong? Who upset you?”

Prince De slapped the table in frustration. After glancing around to ensure privacy, he quietly recounted the events to Hua Yuxuan. When he finished, he was ready to explode again.

Hua Yuxuan grabbed his hand. “Father, let it go. We can’t win against her.”

Prince De froze. “Are you referring to the one in Weiyang Palace?”

Hua Yuxuan smiled bitterly and sat down. “Who else could it be? Have I not suffered enough losses at her hands since entering the palace?”

“Outrageous!” Prince De’s anger only intensified at her words. “She’s already the Empress Dowager. Why does she still occupy Weiyang Palace? Could she truly be thinking of those unspeakable things? As long as I’m here, she’ll never succeed!”

Hua Yuxuan clenched her hands briefly before releasing them. “Father, let’s not discuss this. How has Jin Zhi been recently?”

Prince De’s expression softened slightly. “He’s fine. The two rival factions in the grasslands keep him relatively safe.”

“And has Mother chosen a wife for him as the heir apparent?”

Prince De looked at her. “It’s your enthronement ceremony soon. Focus on your affairs.”

Hua Yuxuan sighed deeply, as though hesitant to speak further.

Prince De became suspicious. “What is it? Does it have to do with Jin Zhi?”

After a long silence, Hua Yuxuan finally said, “Do you remember last year’s autumn hunt at the imperial villa?”

“Hmm.”

“Jin Zhi nearly shot her with an arrow. Later, he used his qinggong to save her, escorted her back, and encountered an assassination attempt. They were gone for over two hours before returning.”

Prince De’s face changed in disbelief. “Are you saying Jin Zhi and her…”

Hua Yuxuan shook her head. “I don’t know. But since entering the palace, Jin Zhi has rarely visited me. Every time he comes, he first goes to Weiyang Palace. I’ve been uneasy ever since. Fortunately, Jin Zhi later went to the military camp and is now at the border. But my worry never subsides. I was hoping Father could arrange his marriage soon. Once he has a wife, perhaps he’ll settle down, and I can rest easy.”

Prince De’s expression grew solemn as he nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll discuss this with your mother. Whether he agrees or not, he’ll marry the heir’s wife first.”

—

Tomorrow was the enthronement ceremony, and while most people were focused on it, Leng Jiu was thinking about her agreement with Gong Yu Wei. Both were key figures—the Chancellor and the Empress Dowager—so neither could be absent tomorrow. The day would be packed with events from morning to night, making it difficult to spend the Mid-Autumn Festival together as planned.

Lu Chang entered and noticed Leng Jiu in a daze. Smiling slightly, he whispered, “Empress Dowager, the Emperor of Liang requests an audience.”

Leng Jiu snapped out of her thoughts. “Who?”

“Emperor Xiao Yan of Liang.”

Leng Jiu poked Kano in the butt, her eyes flashing. “Let him in.”

“Yes.”

Soon, Xiao Yan entered, dressed in deep purple, his hair tied high with a jade crown. His elegant demeanor and noble bearing dimmed the brilliance of the room. His calm gaze carried a faint smile, making him impossible to ignore or refuse.

“My impromptu visit, I hope, has not disturbed the Empress Dowager,” Xiao Yan said as he stopped not far from Leng Jiu, his smile gentle.

Leng Jiu remained in her lazy posture, lifting a hand to gesture to the seat beside her. “Sit.”

Xiao Yan’s eyes flickered briefly before he gracefully took the indicated seat. He produced a delicate jade jar. “A gift long promised to the Empress Dowager, though it arrives only now. I hope you won’t mind.”

Leng Jiu smiled. “I almost forgot about it myself. It’s impressive you remembered. But for such a small item, you came in person?”

Xiao Yan placed the jade jar down. “I do have something to ask. I hope the Empress Dowager can enlighten me.”

“Let’s hear it.”

Xiao Yan took out a delicate blood jade from his sleeve. There were no special patterns or cuts on it, making it look like a complete piece. “Has the Empress Dowager ever seen a jade identical to this one?”

Leng Jiu shook her head. “No.”

Hearing this, Xiao Yan put the jade away. “Sorry to disturb you, Empress Dowager.”

Xiao Yan didn’t stay long and soon took his leave. Leng Jiu looked at the tea canister on the table, feeling puzzled. “Did he come all this way just to ask about that piece of jade?”

Lu Chang seemed to know a bit more and chuckled. “The Empress Dowager is in her twenties this year. In three months, you’ll turn twenty-one.”

Leng Jiu raised an eyebrow. “My birthday is in November? But what does that have to do with anything?”

Lu Chang walked over to put the tea canister away. “The Emperor of Liang’s fiancée, the lady of the Ziche family, is also about this age.”

“And then?”

“Lady Ziche went missing eighteen years ago and remains unaccounted for. Although the Ziche family has been concealing this news, I happen to know a little about it.”

Hearing this, Leng Jiu smiled. “Does he think I’m a lady from the Ziche family?”

“Considering the Empress Dowager’s age, it’s not surprising he has such suspicions.”

“Eighteen years ago…” Leng Jiu smacked her lips. “That really is an intriguing number.”

After leaving Weiyang Palace, Xiao Yan paused, opening his palm. The blood-red jade glistened in his pale hand. He closed his fingers around it, his purple robe fluttering as he walked away.

The palace paths bustled with servants coming and going, all busy preparing for tomorrow’s grand ceremony. Only Weiyang Palace remained quiet.

“Where are we going now, Master?”

Xiao Yan leaned against the wall of the carriage, his gaze lowered slightly. “To the teahouse.”

Yunshan wasn’t surprised and drove the carriage to the back of a teahouse. The two entered a private room on the upper floor, where a reserved seat awaited them. Xiao Yan’s jade tea set was already arranged. However, unlike before, one teacup was placed separately. Though it appeared the same as the others, it stood out conspicuously.

Seeing his master’s calm expression, Yunshan couldn’t discern anything and had to ask, “Master, did you make any progress?”

Xiao Yan spooned out some tea leaves, shaking his head slightly.

Yunshan sighed in disappointment but also felt a sense of relief. Although the Empress Dowager was the most likely candidate, her position made things even more complicated if she turned out to be the one. But now that this last lead was dismissed, the search would only grow harder. He couldn’t help wondering what the Ziche family was plotting—accepting the engagement only to stir up so much trouble.

Suppressing his thoughts, Yunshan asked, “Should we return to the kingdom now? Rumor has it things have been restless there recently. Your presence would certainly send a clear message.”

Xiao Yan poured tea and filled a cup, responding indifferently, “Let’s wait two more days.”

Yunshan pursed his lips and said no more.

The teahouse, located in a quiet corner, was rarely busy—precisely why Xiao Yan liked it. Across the street was a lively inn bustling with midday activity.

A dark-green carriage stopped in front of the inn, and a dashing, boyish-looking girl hopped down, surveying her surroundings before calling back to the carriage, “Miss, let’s have lunch here.”

“Alright,” a gentle voice replied from inside. Moments later, the curtain lifted, and a woman in white stepped out with the girl’s help. Her appearance stunned passersby—skin like snow, beauty like a summer bloom. Such a stunning lady!

Her expression was soft, though a slight furrow in her brows hinted at hidden worries, evoking pity from onlookers.

“Let’s go inside,” she said softly, her voice as gentle as her demeanor, melting the hearts of those who heard her.

“Alright,” the girl said, supporting her as they entered. Suddenly, a disheveled man stumbled toward them, bumping into them clumsily. The woman in white lost her balance and was about to fall forward, but the servant girl quickly caught her, sparing her the indignity of a public fall.

“You filthy beggar! Are you blind?” the servant girl scolded angrily.

“That’s enough, Qier. Let’s go inside,” the woman said softly, her gentle tone instantly winning the goodwill of those nearby.

“Master…” On the upper floor, Yunshan’s eyes widened at the scene. What caught his attention wasn’t the woman’s beauty or kindness but the red jade that fell out of her collar during the commotion. Now exposed, it gleamed vividly. His sharp eyes recognized it instantly—identical to his master’s jade piece. “The blood jade…”

Xiao Yan, too, had seen it. His hand paused briefly before he retracted it, showing no emotion. It seemed nothing could stir him anymore.

“Master, let me go investigate!” Yunshan, unable to contain his excitement, dashed out immediately.

Xiao Yan continued to rotate the teacup in his hand, glancing once more at the isolated cup on the table. His deep eyes revealed a complex and unreadable emotion.

Before long, Yunshan returned, brimming with excitement. “Master, her name is Ziche Moyao. She’s the one we’ve been looking for!”

Xiao Yan set down his cup. “Let’s go back.”

“But, Master! Now that we’ve found her, shouldn’t we approach her? They’re likely staying here; I’ll make sure they don’t disappear!”

Without replying, Xiao Yan walked away. His purple robe vanished around the corner. After discovering the connection between Leng Jinghua and the Leng family, another Ziche Moyao had surfaced. How could there be such coincidences in this world?

In the inn, Ziche Moyao and Qier sat by a window, having ordered some food. Ziche Moyao gazed out the window, her eyes clouded with sadness. Suddenly, a carriage passed by. The wind lifted the curtain, and she caught a fleeting glimpse of an extraordinarily handsome face, regal and dignified. Her eyes widened in shock, and she remained dazed even after the carriage disappeared.

“Miss? Miss?” Qier called out several times but received no response. Finally, she waved her hand in front of her mistress. “Miss, what’s wrong?”

Ziche Moyao snapped out of it, staring blankly at Qier. “Just now… I think I saw him.”

Qier looked outside, puzzled. “Who?”

For the first time, Ziche Moyao’s previously serene face showed excitement. Her pale skin flushed, and she looked like a young girl in love. “It’s him, the man from the portrait. He just passed by in that carriage. Even though it was just a glance, I’m sure it was him!”

Qier didn’t believe it. “Miss, you must be imagining things. With his status, how could he possibly ride a carriage down a public street?”

“No, it was him!” Ziche Moyao clutched her handkerchief tightly. “I’ve dreamed of his face so often I could draw it blindfolded. There’s no way I’d mistake him.”

Qier sighed inwardly, knowing her mistress was infatuated beyond reason. “If he’s here, you’ll meet him eventually. Let’s eat first. We’ve traveled all day and are starving.”

“Alright.” Reluctantly, Ziche Moyao suppressed her urge to chase after the carriage and, for the first time in days, ate a full bowl of rice with some appetite.

After their meal, the two exited the inn. As they approached their carriage, they saw a waiter kicking a female beggar. The beggar, filthy and weak, fell to the ground pitifully. Unable to bear it, Ziche Moyao instructed the innkeeper to bring two buns for the beggar. She brushed aside the waiter, crouched down, and handed the buns to the beggar. “Take these and eat.”

The beggar glanced at the buns before slowly looking up. Instead of accepting them, she grabbed Ziche Moyao’s hand. “Save me! Please, save me!”

“Let go of my mistress! Get away!” Qier, disgusted by the beggar’s dirty hands, rushed forward to push her away.

“Qier!” Ziche Moyao stopped her servant’s actions, though she, too, felt repelled. Suppressing her distaste, she said, “Take her with us. We’ll find a place to settle down first.”

Qier protested, “Why save a random beggar, Miss?”

Ziche Moyao smiled gently, standing up as the beggar followed suit. “Think of it as an act of kindness.”

At the inn, Ziche Moyao had someone prepare water so the beggar could clean up. When she emerged, both Ziche Moyao and Qier were stunned. The woman, now pale but strikingly pretty, bore no resemblance to the filthy beggar from before.

The beggar was none other than Hua Ruier, abandoned in the beggar’s den by Jin Yu. Drugged by Jin Yu, she had endured five days of torment, her martial skills completely lost. After regaining consciousness, she found herself covered in filth, abused by the beggars who took turns tormenting her. Though she tried to escape multiple times, she was always caught. Today, she seized an opportunity while they were out begging for food and managed to flee. If not for Ziche Moyao, she might soon have been dragged back.

“What’s your name?” Now that she was presentable, Qier’s attitude softened. Such a beautiful woman ending up as a beggar must have a story.

Hua Ruier looked at them and suddenly knelt on one knee. “Please, take me in!”

Ziche Moyao quickly stepped forward to help her up. “Get up. We can talk this through.”

Tears welled up in Hua Ruier’s eyes. “My name is Hua Ruier. I’m the cousin of an official’s son and his betrothed fiancée. But he was bewitched by a vixen and wanted to annul the engagement. They drove me out, leaving me homeless. That’s how I ended up like this. Please, take pity on me and give me shelter. I will repay your kindness!”

The two women were deeply moved. Helping her to her feet, Qier was no longer disdainful and spoke with sympathy, “Don’t worry. Follow us, and no one will dare harm you.”

Tears streamed down Hua Ruier’s face. “Thank you!”

Qier handed her a handkerchief: “Hurry and wipe your face!”

“Thank you, sister!” Hua Rui’er took the handkerchief, her face full of gratitude.

Qier smiled, “I’m about your age, just call me Qier.”

Ziche Moyao also smiled, “I’m Ziche Moyao, a bit older than you. You can call me Sister Moyao.”

Ziche! Hearing this surname, Hua Rui’er’s eyes flickered, but she wisely suppressed her reaction and smiled sweetly: “Sister Moyao! Qier!”

While Xiao Yan was searching for the daughter of the Ziche family, Long Yi was also searching, and he was much more diligent. Even before Ziche Moyao entered the capital, his men had already reported her presence. He hurried to the palace to inform the emperor, and Long Yi immediately sent someone to bring Ziche Moyao into the palace. He wasn’t afraid of a mistake—after all, there were very few people with the surname Ziche in the world.

On the surface, it seemed Ziche Moyao was traveling with just a maidservant, but secretly, a large merchant caravan was protecting her along the way. Apart from the Ziche family, no other family could have such a setup.

Ziche Moyao had just been chatting with Hua Rui’er when Long Yi’s men arrived. Ziche Moyao was a bit surprised but didn’t refuse. Going to the palace would give her a chance to meet him.

“Sister Moyao, who are you? Why is the emperor sending people to fetch you?” Hua Rui’er asked with a look of innocent surprise.

Qier threw a set of maidservant’s clothing to her. “Change into this. You’ll find out when we get to the palace.”

The carriage sent by the palace was naturally spacious. Even with the three of them inside, it still felt empty. Fifty imperial guards escorted them as they headed straight for the palace.

Tomorrow was the empress’s enthronement ceremony. The palace was already too busy preparing for the grand banquet, but a smaller banquet was still feasible. Long Yi ordered a gathering in the imperial garden, inviting Consort Yuan and Consort Xue to accompany them. To ensure Ziche Moyao felt at ease, he even summoned the long-forgotten Seventh Princess. To avoid gossip, he also invited Xiao Yan—though mainly to confirm the matter once and for all.

“Miss Ziche has really arrived?” Leng Jiu was a bit surprised. She knew that the Ziche family was the most mysterious among all the noble families. Both emperors had searched for them for a long time without success. Why had she suddenly appeared?

Lu Chang replied, “It’s true. The young lady of the Ziche family is here. She seems to be the one that Liang Emperor has been searching for. However, the exact details are probably only known to the Ziche family.”

He added, “According to reports, this Miss Ziche is quite beautiful. I wonder if the Empress Dowager is interested in taking a look?”

“What’s so interesting about looking at women?” Leng Jiu scoffed but then curled her lips into a smile. “What’s really worth watching is two emperors competing over one woman. This Miss Ziche is Xiao Yan’s fiancée, and Long Yi wants her for the Ziche family’s wealth. Tonight’s banquet will surely be fascinating!”

“I’ll prepare clothes for the Empress Dowager.”

Leng Jiu stood up, “No need! I’ll go dressed like this. I’m going to watch the show, not perform in it. Why bother dressing up?”

Lu Chang smiled. “True! Besides, the Empress Dowager is naturally dazzling enough to outshine everyone.”

Leng Jiu was used to Lu Chang’s occasional flattery and didn’t even bother kicking him this time.

“Greetings, Your Majesty!” Ziche Moyao curtsied upon arrival. Xiao Yan had not yet arrived; only Long Yi and the other three were present.

Long Yi’s eyes flickered when he saw Moyao. It wasn’t her beauty that struck him but her refined demeanor. Her grace clearly indicated she came from a noble background, which further confirmed his suspicions.

He raised his hand. “Miss Ziche, no need for formalities. Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Ziche Moyao expressed her gratitude and took her seat. Qier and Hua Rui’er naturally followed behind her.

Long Yi pointed to the Seventh Princess beside her and said, “This is my seventh sister. As fellow ladies, perhaps you could keep each other company.”

Ziche Moyao bowed slightly, “Greetings, Princess.”

The Seventh Princess shyly smiled. “Miss Ziche, you’re too polite!”

Long Yi motioned for refreshments to be served, then asked, “Miss Ziche, is your visit to the capital on instructions from the Ziche family head, or is it merely for sightseeing?”

This question went straight to the heart of the matter. Just as Moyao was about to answer, a eunuch’s voice announced from outside, “The Liang Emperor has arrived! The Empress Dowager has arrived!”

At the announcement, two figures—one clad in dark purple, the other in light gold—walked in side by side. One exuded noble elegance and extraordinary majesty; the other radiated stunning beauty and an air of haughty composure. Both were so captivating it was hard to look away.

However, one person was utterly shocked, nearly jumping out of her seat—Hua Rui’er. She never expected Leng Jiu to be the Empress Dowager!

“Greetings, Liang Emperor!”

“Greetings, Empress Dowager!”

The cries and bows snapped Hua Rui’er back to reality. She realized this was no place for her to speak and quickly lowered her head, suppressing the hatred in her heart.

Leng Jiu glanced at Long Yi, then at Ziche Moyao, and smiled, “I happened to run into the Liang Emperor while taking a stroll. Upon hearing that his fiancée has arrived, I thought I’d come and see what kind of beauty has captivated him for so long.”

Ziche Moyao’s heart pounded as she looked at Xiao Yan. Today confirmed it was indeed him she had seen. Hearing Leng Jiu’s words, she withdrew her gaze, smiling shyly, “The Empress Dowager jests. Moyao’s beauty is far too modest to warrant such praise.”

She cast a timid glance at Xiao Yan, her maidenly shyness written all over her face.

Xiao Yan remained composed but politely replied, “Miss Ziche, you shouldn’t underestimate yourself.”

Leng Jiu smiled, taking her seat at the head of the table. Consort Yuan and Consort Xue moved aside to make room for her. Xiao Yan took his designated seat, barely sparing Moyao a glance.

The atmosphere at the banquet grew awkward, but Leng Jiu, eager to stir the pot, smiled at Moyao and said, “I’ve heard the Ziche family controls vast wealth. I’m curious just how much. Could it really rival a nation?”

Ziche Moyao replied politely, “The Empress Dowager is too kind. The Ziche family merely runs some businesses. Such rumors are greatly exaggerated.”

Leng Jiu smirked, glancing at Long Yi and then at Xiao Yan. “The Liang Emperor has traveled far and wide to find Miss Ziche. Now that she’s here, it seems I’ll soon be drinking wedding wine!”

Hearing this, Ziche Moyao shyly glanced at Xiao Yan. “The Empress Dowager is teasing me.”

Ignoring her bashfulness, Leng Jiu kept her attention on Long Yi and Xiao Yan. One seemed to be plotting something despite having no chance, while the other, who had every reason to act, seemed uninterested. Amusing indeed!

—

Author’s Note: Dropping a small bomb here. Let’s see how many ladies this stirs up, hehe!