Zhuo Qing's long hair had already been coiled into a high bun; now, with her hat removed and dressed in a flowing robe of deep azure, she appeared all the more like a handsome young man. Lou Xiyan, clearly pleased with the result, kept her by his side and chuckled softly, "Just stay obediently by my side, and keep your head down. That's all you need to do."Her eyes were far too clear, too penetrating—eyes that no mere servant should possess. As long as she avoided meeting others' gazes, it would be fine.Zhuo Qing groaned, murmuring under her breath, "I'll… try."Thinking back to the appearance of Xiao Liuzi earlier, Zhuo Qing knew she could never replicate that. All she could do was try her best…"Let's go."In contrast to Zhuo Qing's disheartened demeanor, Lou Xiyan remained at ease, guiding her toward the grand hall—unaware that the night ahead would be anything but peaceful.
Outside the Qianyang Hall, Zhuo Qing kept her head bowed, following closely by Lou Xiyan's side. They hadn't walked more than ten minutes when the sound of bustling voices and lively commotion reached their ears. Zhuo Qing looked up instinctively, and not far ahead, palace lanterns glowed amidst swirling mist, and brilliant candlelight illuminated a grand and majestic hall.
This palace covered an immense area—its imposing presence seemed even more magnificent than the buildings of Beijing's Forbidden City. Or perhaps, she mused, the difference lay in perspective: when visiting the Forbidden City, one merely observed as a tourist, time having eroded the aura of imperial majesty. But now, confronted by this resplendent scene, surrounded by real maids, eunuchs, guards, and ministers, everything felt uncannily vivid, pulling her into a strange sense of disbelief.
Lou Xiyan gently took her hand, his voice low and concerned: "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"Zhuo Qing shook her head and sighed, "No, just a bit tired."Recalling her past self wandering the Forbidden City, and comparing it to her present self, she found it incredible how fate could twist one's journey so unpredictably.
Sensing the sudden dip in her mood and the weariness in her eyes, Lou Xiyan murmured with quiet tenderness, "It won't be long—once the banquet reaches its midpoint, we'll leave."His gentle reassurance brought a small smile to Zhuo Qing's lips. Hadn't she always gone with the flow, accepted things as they were? What use was there in lamenting over that which was already a foregone conclusion?Taking a silent breath to compose herself, Zhuo Qing strode forward with renewed calm. "I'm fine. Let's go. Don't worry—I'll remember to keep my head down."Lou Xiyan couldn't help but chuckle. He truly shouldn't have asked her to pose as a servant—no servant would ever walk ahead of their master. She would never learn how to act like a subordinate, and he had never needed her to.
As the two approached, a crowd of early-arrived officials had already gathered before the hall, exchanging courteous greetings. Upon seeing Lou Xiyan, they quickly made way and saluted respectfully. Lou Xiyan returned each greeting with a slight nod, heading toward the hall's main entrance.
Zhuo Qing, still with her head slightly bowed, walked on with quiet boredom, until a pair of pitch-black boots appeared before her."General Su," Lou Xiyan's low, melodious voice sounded, laced with amusement."Minister Lou," came the response, cold and steady, with a chilling undertone that sent an involuntary shiver down the spine."Your return from the northern patrol must have been arduous and meritorious," Lou Xiyan remarked casually.
As he exchanged pleasantries with the owner of the black boots, Zhuo Qing, who had nearly drifted into a daze with her lowered gaze, suddenly jolted awake—General Su?The man tied to the Third Miss of the Qing family?Her curiosity stirred, Zhuo Qing couldn't resist a subtle glance upward.
The legendary general—wielding power across six kingdoms—wasn't traditionally handsome. His figure was tall and imposing, his build broad and muscular, towering even half a head above Lou Xiyan.His bronze-toned skin gleamed under the lights; his ink-black hair was tied in a half-knot, untamed, unadorned by crown or hairpin. With sword-like brows and star-like eyes, his chiseled features exuded a wild, untamable air.Clad in a dark grey robe devoid of any ornamentation, he looked out of place amid the sumptuously attired nobles of the banquet. And yet, there are always some people who need no finery to stand out. That battle-hardened, blood-drenched aura—the air of a warrior forged through countless trials—was impossible to mask.
Su Ling's rugged face bore little expression. He responded flatly, "Minister Lou is too kind. It is merely my duty."As he spoke, his sharp gaze suddenly flicked toward Zhuo Qing.Startled, she hurriedly bowed her head again. No! I barely looked up! How could he notice me so easily?Lou Xiyan's familiar chuckle drifted softly between them. "Please, General Su."
All that stood in plain view were Lou Xiyan and his supposed 'attendant.' Su Ling withdrew his gaze coldly, though the unease in his heart lingered. He had definitely sensed someone watching him just now—but whoever it was, they had evaded him.
"After you."With Lou Xiyan leading, the two stepped into the hall.
Zhuo Qing let out a silent breath of relief—thankfully, Lou Xiyan had shielded her just in time.What a terrifying gaze, what an oppressive aura...If Gu Yun truly was the Qing family's third daughter and had encountered a man like this—one whose very glance could stir trembling—then… Heaven help her.
Lou Xiyan and Su Ling entered the grand hall one after another, followed closely by the gathered civil and military officials.Inside and out, the Qianyang Hall buzzed with activity. Palace maids and eunuchs bustled back and forth. Behind a massive stone pillar outside the hall, two women in palace attire crouched one behind the other, peeking toward the entrance with obvious suspicion.
"Princess, this setting is not suitable for us to attend. And with you dressed like this—if His Majesty finds out…"Xiao Lian, the princess's personal maid, wore an anxious expression as she glanced at her mistress, who had dressed identically to her. Her heart churned with unease. She had tried persuading the princess all afternoon to no avail. What was she to do now?
Yan Ruxuan's gaze remained fixed on the tall figure that had just disappeared beyond the hall doors. She replied indifferently, "There are so many guests at the palace banquet—my royal brother won't even notice I'm here."
Xiao Lian had expected that response. Following her mistress's gaze, she already knew whom they'd see. Her eyes lit up and she whispered, "Princess, why don't I wait outside the hall? As soon as Minister Lou comes out, I'll invite him to Qingxuan Hall. You don't need to go in!"After all, wasn't the princess here for the Grand Chancellor? If she could persuade this stubborn young mistress, she'd do anything.
Yan Ruxuan's eyes betrayed a sorrow she didn't bother to hide. "If he were willing to come, he'd have done so long ago."He hadn't stepped foot in Qingxuan Hall for quite some time.Sometimes, she wanted desperately to ask him—why? Did he truly loathe her that much?But whenever she met his cool, clear gaze, the words died in her throat—afraid that his answer might be something she couldn't bear to hear.
Xiao Lian clutched her sleeve tightly. Yan Ruxuan, growing impatient, snapped, "Fine. If you're so frightened, go back to the palace."Sensing her mistress's irritation, Xiao Lian quickly whispered, "How can you say that, Princess? Wherever you go, I go!"She was the princess's personal maid—should anything happen, how could she escape blame?
Relieved, Yan Ruxuan nodded and grasped her hand. Taking a deep breath, she declared, "Very well. We're going in—now."She needed someone to steel her resolve.
Xiao Lian inwardly groaned, but she had no choice. She followed her mistress into the crowded Qianyang Hall.
The two, feigning calm, blended into the line of serving maids entering the hall. Once inside, Xiao Lian pulled Yan Ruxuan to stand at the very back, eyes darting around until she lit up."Princess, look—there he is. Minister Lou."