Chapter 95: To Think He Actually Took the Field

As Qiao Qingyun’s business continued to flourish, it inevitably stirred considerable reaction within the palace. The Empress’s repeated assassination attempts had been thwarted, and even turned against her; realizing that the timing was not yet ideal, she could only instruct her people to quietly observe.

“Miss, there’s talk of a banquet tonight. A eunuch from the palace has already delivered the invitation…” Qingluo glanced at the gilded invitation lying nearby, feeling uneasy. After all, Qiao Qingyun had only recently been divorced; if she entered the palace now, who knows what ridicule she might face?

“I know you’re worried about me, but since Her Majesty insists I attend, why shouldn’t I?” Qiao Qingyun cared little for such matters. If not for her desire for Yuan Zaichun’s protection, which led her to marry him and become the Crown Princess, she would have been disinclined to interact with those people at all.

“But, Miss, the storm in the capital hasn’t passed yet…”

“It’s alright, Qingluo, I understand. Today, you and Zhong Shi will accompany me; that way, my safety will be assured, won’t it?” Perhaps to reassure Qingluo, or perhaps wishing for Zhong Shi’s presence as well, Qiao Qingyun sought to ensure their safety.

After some consideration, Qingluo had no choice but to yield, for Qiao Qingyun was the mistress.

That evening, the Qiao household’s carriage rocked its way to the center of the banquet. No sooner had Qiao Qingyun alighted than she was met by a barrage of gazes.

Tonight, Qiao Qingyun was not dressed in anything particularly striking; rather, her attire was elegant and understated. She knelt before the Emperor and Empress.

“Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor gazed at Qiao Qingyun standing below the dais, recalling that she had been divorced by Yuan Zaichun. He was deeply angered—he already had a virtuous wife, yet insisted on seeking another elsewhere.

To make matters worse, spies in the Crown Prince’s residence reported that Yuan Zaichun had struck Qiao Qingyun for Bu Shenglian’s sake.

“Qingyun, come, sit.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

The Empress was adept at acting, especially before the Emperor. If she did not portray herself as a wise wife and loving mother, how could she win the people’s respect?

“Are you feeling better today? I heard you were unconscious for some time. Have you fully recovered?”

Her concern sounded more like that of a mother, making Qiao Qingyun uneasy, but she dutifully responded.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for your concern. I am much improved.”

“That’s good. Don’t ruin your health at such a young age.”

The occasion was the Hundred Flowers Banquet, a favorite of the Empress, who adored all kinds of blossoms and plants. Though the banquet was held only three times a year, this second gathering happened to coincide with Qiao Qingyun’s arrival.

“Miss, the fruit wine here is potent. You’d best drink sparingly.”

“Mm.”

Qiao Qingyun nodded, but her discomfort grew more pronounced. She followed the direction of the eyes upon her, and at once saw the Fourth Prince and the Crown Prince.

Yuan Zaichun sat beside the Emperor, but because of Qiao Qingyun, the Emperor had long been displeased with him. What should have been easily resolved had dragged on, leaving the Emperor increasingly frustrated.

The Fourth Prince had already been captivated by Qiao Qingyun’s beauty—who wouldn’t desire such a virtuous wife? It would not only aid his pursuit of the throne, but even if he did not compete, he would enjoy endless blessings.

Soon, the performances began. Qiao Qingyun watched the repeated dances and songs with little interest, instead quietly eating fruit.

Here, it seemed the dances were worth little; better to spend the time eating.

“Miss, don’t eat too much.”

Tonight, Zhong Shi watched as Qiao Qingyun consumed a considerable amount of food and now fruit, fearing she might become uncomfortable from overeating.

“It’s alright, don’t worry.”

With that, Qiao Qingyun popped another orange into her mouth. Usually, she felt nothing special about fruit, but tonight, with time to fill, perhaps that was what made them taste delicious.

Seeing his advice fall on deaf ears, Zhong Shi simply stood guard by her side, lest someone try to take advantage.

Time passed minute by minute. Just as Qiao Qingyun was about to rise and excuse herself, Bu Shenglian suddenly called out to her.

“Your Highness, I have heard that Miss Qiao’s dancing captivates the world. Might we have the chance to witness it tonight?”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Qingyun nearly laughed aloud. Bu Shenglian certainly knew how to make herself noticed. Even with Yuan Zaichun present, she was so eager to provoke?

“Oh?”

The Emperor had never seen Qiao Qingyun dance, and immediately turned his gaze upon her, examining her closely.

“Is it true?”

Qiao Qingyun felt helpless at the situation. “Your Majesty, it is but a trifling skill, hardly worthy of such praise. I fear I would only make a fool of myself.”

“No matter, just perform a dance over there. What say you?”

With the Emperor’s command, Qiao Qingyun could not refuse. She glanced at Qingluo and Zhong Shi, and the three hurried away.

In truth, Bu Shenglian had investigated Qiao Qingyun’s abilities from the start—she knew Qiao Qingyun lacked talent in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and certainly dance. Today’s aim was to make her lose face before Yuan Zaichun.

The Empress did not intervene, partly because she disliked Bu Shenglian, and partly because she did not believe Qiao Qingyun would fail.

Yuan Zaichun did not object either; he simply wished to watch, having not seen Qiao Qingyun dance in a long time.

“Miss, what should we do?” Qingluo asked anxiously, as if disaster were imminent.

“It’s fine, don’t worry. They merely want to see a dance—so let’s dance.”

With that, Qiao Qingyun gathered up her long skirt and changed into it. The bright red dress made her even more beautiful and alluring.

Though the garment looked bold and ostentatious when worn by others, on Qiao Qingyun it somehow lent her a touch of delicate vulnerability.

“Your Majesty, I am ready.”

As Qiao Qingyun stood before the crowd, even Bu Shenglian felt uncertain for a moment.

Why was this? Ordinarily, Qiao Qingyun should have been flustered, seeking excuses to decline. Yet here she was, ready to take the stage.

“Very well.”

The Emperor gave a wave, and Qingluo promptly handed the music sheet to the musicians.