Chapter 51: Repulsive Appearance_1

The Emperor, however, turned back carelessly and asked Bai Qingyan, “I heard… that your chess skills are excellent?”

She clenched her hand tightly and lowered her eyes, remaining silent. The Emperor’s stance in protecting the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage was so blatant that the court officials would certainly follow his lead. When news of the Bai family’s defeat came back, those sycophants good at speculating the Emperor’s intentions wouldn’t hesitate to step on them.

No wonder, in her previous life, everyone knew of the Bai family’s loyalty and bravery, yet no one dared to argue for them in court.

High-ranking officials imitated their superiors’ behavior. With the Emperor already so displeased with the Bai family, who among the court officials would dare to speak out for them?

She bowed deeply, “I only understand a little.”

“Your aunt… was also very skilled at chess.” The Emperor’s gaze fell on Bai Qingyan. He seemed to be caught up in a certain emotion, trying to see another person through Bai Qingyan. He spoke slowly, “When you have time, accompany your grandmother to the palace and keep the Empress company. The Empress is also fond of chess. Rise!”

The Empress smiled and nodded, but her pale nails dug into her palms inside her sleeves. She had been married to the Emperor for many years and knew that Bai Suqiu, the only daughter of the Duke of Zhen, was the eternal scar on the Emperor’s heart.

Though Bai Suqiu had already passed away, she had become irreplaceable in the Emperor’s heart. Now, what did the Emperor mean by letting Bai Qingyan come to the palace when she was free? Could it be that he had taken a liking to her?

The Empress felt overwhelmed by thoughts and her chest tightened. The Emperor’s attitude toward the Bai family was ambiguous, seeming both dismissive and affectionate, making it truly unpredictable.

A clatter was heard, and a palace maid immediately knelt down and begged for mercy: “Please forgive me, sir! It wasn’t intentional!”

“No matter…” Xiao Rongyan calmly brushed off the wine stains on his robe. His elegant demeanor and gentle voice were soothing.

The Emperor came back to his senses and looked at the strikingly handsome man behind the King of Qi. The man exuded a scholarly and modest temperament akin to a great sage of the era. The Emperor instantly took a liking to him and said, “You… must be the righteous merchant Xiao Rongyan from the Wei Kingdom that the King of Qi often mentions to me.”

Xiao Rongyan rose gracefully and bowed to the Emperor, “Grateful for Your Highness’s favor. It is my humble honor to enter the palace and witness Your Majesty’s grandeur. My eternal gratitude.”

Even flattery, when spoken by such an elegant man, brought more joy. The Emperor, feeling cheerful, burst into laughter. “Mr. Xiao, a righteous merchant of Wei; your talent is renowned. A month ago, at Wenxian Tower, your work ‘Pingchuan Night Snow’ was exquisite, making me long for the beauty of Pingchuan!”

The Emperor’s admiration for Xiao Rongyan was apparent. The officials below the high platform each had their own thoughts.@@novelbin@@

“It was a crude work created inebriated. Your Majesty praises me too much.”

Xiao Rongyan, neither humble nor arrogant, maintained his composure. Despite the wine stains on his robe, he remained unflustered, appearing otherworldly and untouched by earthly dust.

“The Wei Kingdom has many famed scholars known for their romantic elegance; you must be among the best, renowned in all lands. There’s no need for such modesty!” The Emperor, always fond of literary talents, couldn’t help but ask Xiao Rongyan a few more questions, “Mr. Xiao, did you not return home last year, to stay in the Capital for the New Year?”

“I heard that the Lantern Festival in Dadu City is a grand event in Jin Kingdom every year. Scholars and poets compete with enthusiasm, showcasing their talents. It’s lively and bustling, so I stayed in the Capital for the New Year. After the Lantern Festival, I will set off back home.”

The Emperor nodded, noticing the wine stains on Xiao Rongyan’s robe, and said, “Mr. Xiao, please change your clothes first. When you return, share with me the beautiful scenery of Pingzhou.”

Xiao Rongyan bowed with a smile and agreed.

Bai Qingyan noticed that the side consort’s maid serving the King of Qi was gone and had already guessed the situation. She silently prayed for Xiao Rongyan, her gaze inevitably drifting toward him.

Their eyes met in the air; Xiao Rongyan’s look was calm and insightful.

Her palm tightened and then slowly relaxed, seeing Xiao Rongyan’s sharp and deep gaze. He clearly realized the trickery; but would he be able to escape this calamity?

Xiao Rongyan remained composed, his eyes resolute. With a flash of inspiration, he looked away calmly and followed the palace maid to change his clothes.

In less than a quarter of an hour, Xiao Rongyan returned, dressed in a new robe. Bai Qingyan finally felt relieved.

·

On the way back to the mansion after the palace banquet, the Eldest Princess was filled with fear. She held Bai Qingyan’s hand tightly and scolded sternly: “Have you lost your mind?! You usually act prudently; why couldn’t you stay calm today? Saying such things in front of the Emperor, if the Emperor really got angry, how many heads do you have to bear the consequences?! If something happened to you too, how would your grandmother live?!”

The finely crafted elm carriage, with lanterns swaying at the corners, cast flickering shadows inside.

Bai Qingyan lowered her eyes to hide the redness, admitting that she had said those words intentionally for the Emperor to hear. She wanted that stubborn and suspicious Emperor to know; she wanted the world to know! The Bai family’s sacrifice in fighting for the Jin Kingdom and the lives of countless people was not something the scheming Emperor could ever compare to!

Those words, those matters, were lodged in her heart like a blade in her throat, cutting her constantly. She had to speak them out!

Seeing Bai Qingyan’s lowered head and her reluctance to speak, the Eldest Princess closed her tearful eyes and choked up. “Grandmother knows, that day when I asked if you had rebellious thoughts, it hurt you. You, child… you have many good qualities but are like your grandfather with a stubborn mind! But Kid… the Imperial Family is my family, I carry the surname Lin! Your blood is also mine! So anyone else in Jin can rebel, but not my descendants! Do you understand?!”

The Eldest Princess’s loyalty to the Imperial Family was just like Bai Qingyan’s to the Bai family. How could she not understand?

But the Jin Imperial Family had already decayed, corrupted by the power-hungry and scheming royal court and nobles. The rot and stench from inside could only be eradicated by a change of dynasty and power falling into truly capable hands. Otherwise… how could it not perish from within?

“Do you understand? Do you? Answer me!”

Facing the Eldest Princess’s escalating questions, Bai Qingyan could no longer suppress the suffocating despair, exhaustion, and deep sorrow in her heart.

She had grown up under her grandmother’s care, her first steps taken with her grandmother’s hand.

Her grandmother had taught her to write her first word.

When she had a high fever, her grandmother had held her all night, praying to the gods to take ten years of her life for Bai Qingyan’s safety.

Her grandmother was of immeasurable importance in her life.

Once, she and her grandmother had spoken about everything. Now… they had different goals despite the same ends, walking hand in hand yet wary of each other. They should have been the closest in the world, but were now miles apart.

She feared that, in the near future, the deep bond between her and her grandmother would be worn away by mutual vigilance, growing more distant, and even… turning ugly.