Lin Xuanji—known in his past life as Mo Tianzun—stepped gracefully into the courtyard where the Imperial Tea Gathering was being held. All the concubines had already arrived, seated with poise yet buzzing with curiosity and whispers.
As Xuanji entered without his veil, heads turned. A chorus of gasps followed.
"So beautiful… and he's a man?"
"Truly unfair…"
Even the most graceful among the women felt a tinge of envy. Despite being male, Concubine Xuanji's ethereal beauty overshadowed them all.
Xuanji made his way to his seat with elegance, the Liu Twins following a few respectful steps behind. With effortless grace, he picked up his tea and took a slow sip. Yet, even as he moved with utmost restraint, all eyes remained fixed on him.
Just then, the atmosphere shifted.
From the entrance, Zhao Xiyan, the Empress Dowager, entered, her presence commanding immediate reverence.
Everyone stood and bowed deeply.
"Rise," she said in a dignified, measured tone. The concubines obeyed at once, heads respectfully lowered.
The Empress Dowager moved slowly to her seat at the head, surveying the gathering with sharp yet elegant eyes.
"Let us sit and enjoy the tea I've prepared for you all," she said warmly.
Everyone returned to their seats. Lin Xuanji sat with perfect posture, taking another sip from his cup as the gathering began in earnest.
"I did not summon you all simply to drink tea," the Empress Dowager said, her eyes drifting from one face to another. "I wished to see you for myself—and it seems they have indeed chosen well for His Highness, the Crown Prince."
Her gaze stopped on the only male among them.
"You must be Lin Xuanji, disciple of the Yunxiao Healer Sect?" she asked. "It is just as they say… You are even more beautiful than your sister. But today… you look especially radiant."
The other concubines stiffened, their envy sharpening—none more than Concubine Mu Shuirou, the favored candidate for Crown Prince Consort.
Though not yet officially betrothed, she stood on the highest pedestal among them—until now.
Lin Xuanji gave a refined smile and bowed slightly.
"Many thanks for your kind praise, Empress Dowager. It is an honor to be in your presence."
"Very well," the Empress Dowager said with a small nod. "Now then, shall we enjoy our tea?"
She lifted her own cup to drink, prompting the others to follow suit.
'Not bad,' Xuanji mused internally, tasting the tea. He glanced discreetly at the Empress Dowager.
'She may be the one who can help elevate me to the position of Crown Prince Consort… I must gain her favor.'
He picked up a small piece of pastry and began to eat, maintaining his charm and poise.
———
After the gathering ended, the concubines rose and respectfully bid farewell to the Empress Dowager before dispersing.
Lin Xuanji, however, did not return to his residence immediately. Instead, he wandered through the Imperial Palace gardens, the Liu Twins trailing behind him.
"Young Master Xuan," Fenglan whispered, glancing up at the moon. "It's nearly midnight. Shouldn't we return?"
Xuanji shook his head lightly. "There are no rules forbidding us from being outside at night—especially within the secured grounds of Tianxun Sect. I'm still full of energy from the tea. Shall we visit the village for the first time?"
The twins nodded and followed their master as he slipped past the outer palace walls into the quiet night.
———
"Tch! That Xuanji is so full of himself," sneered Concubine Yanxue, arms crossed, brows furrowed.
Several of the others nodded in agreement.
"You should mind your words," said Concubine Mu Shuirou, voice calm but edged with subtle pride. "It was the Empress Dowager herself who spoke well of him."
Her words were modest, but they carried weight.
The other concubines turned to her, putting on courteous smiles.
"You're still far better than him," said Concubine Mingyue. "You were personally chosen by the Empress Dowager to be the Crown Prince's consort."
The others murmured their agreement.
Shuirou gave a soft, shy smile. "No one can say for sure what the future holds… After all, I have yet to be officially named the Crown Prince Consort."
"You will be," said Concubine Sheyao with a reassuring tone, making Shuirou smile faintly.
"It's nearly midnight. Let us return. Good night, Concubine Mu," said Concubine Bingruo, leading the group as they all bid Shuirou farewell.
Once they were out of sight, Shuirou's smile faded. Her hands clenched the sleeves of her hanfu tightly, her expression twisting with quiet rage.
"Young Princess… please calm yourself," murmured her trusted personal maidservant, walking closely behind.
"We need a plan," Shuirou hissed through gritted teeth. "If we don't act soon, that Xuanji man will steal everything from me!"
She stormed off toward her private quarters, fury rising with every step. Her maidservant followed silently behind.