The banquet began. From her seat far away, Luqi gazed at the emperor, quietly observing his every move. She had always found it oddly entertaining to watch him.
Maybe it was the pure QiLin energy radiating from his body, but she wasn't even sure if that was what held her attention anymore.
Time had passed, and now she noticed other things. The slight downturn of his lips, the weariness in his eyes, the weight in his shoulders.
Her eyes wandered across the grand hall, watching nobles sing, dance, and chant. It was the only source of amusement besides the food.
Several generals from the Qi Tian sect were in attendance as well, though none seemed to notice her.
Perhaps they were too caught up in victory. Or maybe time had blurred the memory of a failed princess into nothing.
As the celebration wore on and the alcohol took effect, concubines and court maidens gathered around the emperor, competing for his attention.
"Your Majesty, I've missed you so muchhh~"
"You seem tired tonight. I've prepared some tea. Should I bring it to your chamber?"
"Your Majesty, you are as magnificent as ever. We are blessed to be in your presence~"
As the party drew to a close and alcohol had sunk in, the concubines and maidens flocked around the emperor, lavishly seeking his attention.
"Your majesty~ Ive missed you so much~"
"Your majesty, you seem so tired! I have prepared some relaxing tea. How about I deliver it to your chamber tonight?~"
"Your majesty, you are as supreme as ever !! We are eternally grateful to be in your presence!"
He was the flirty type who enjoyed the presence and attention of beautiful women, but since the last time he was freed without a war to care about, the emperor appeared to have now grown out of his previous interests.
Luqi stayed in the background. Enough time had passed. It was her chance. She began scanning the hall, waiting for the right moment to slip away.
——
The night dragged on. Li Wan's gaze wandered, his expression blank. War had hollowed him, leaving only exhaustion behind.
The idea of selecting a woman for the night felt more like a chore than anything else. His replies were short and detached, nothing more than a nod or quiet hum.
As his eyes moved across the hall, something caught his attention. A woman was quietly making her way toward the exit, clearly trying not to be seen.
"You there. Stop." The words left his mouth before he could think.
Luqi froze, eyes widening.
It was nothing but coincidence that he noticed her.
The emperor's voice rippled through the hall, stopping everyone mid-motion. All eyes turned, searching for the one he had called.
Luqi hesitated, unsure if she was the target. Slowly, stiffly, she turned to face the throne.
Their eyes met. Her heart sank.
She tilted her head slightly, blinking with uncertainty, as if asking, "Me?"
That reaction was ridiculous. His voice lowered, calm and indifferent. "Yes, you. Come here."
Luqi exhaled.
She could feel the sharp glares of jealous women behind her.
My, my... she thought, it seemed her escape hadn't been careful enough.
With light, hesitant steps, she made her way toward the emperor, keeping her head lowered.
Once she stood before him, she spoke softly. "Your Highness."
Li Wan studied her face, trying to recall if he had ever seen her before.
"Who are you?"
Here we go, she thought, already tired.
She gave a graceful bow. "The twentieth concubine, princess of the Qi Tian sect, Yinguandao Kingdom. Yin Luqi greets Your Majesty."
The formal words almost made her gag.
"Yin princess?!" Several Qi Tian officials finally took notice. Luqi kept her expression still, pretending not to hear them.
Ah, so that was the Qi Tian princess who never greeted him. He remembered vaguely. It had been years. Just another royal tucked away in the palace.
Not particularly memorable, but Qi Tian people were known to be interesting. His mind processed it quickly.
"Come to my chamber tonight," he said, judging from her quiet manner that she might be less exhausting than the others.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Worse comes to worse... she sighed inside.
When Luqi returned to her chamber, the weight of the day pressed heavily on her.
The hateful stares from the other concubines still burned on her back.
Bai Yi rushed up to her, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Princess! I heard the news! You were chosen by the emperor!"
"How fast are you?" Luqi flicked the maid's forehead. "Did you have someone follow me?"
"Ouch—of course not, Princess! But Bai Yi's favourite person was picked by the emperor. How could I not know?"
The words didn't help. Luqi sighed. Maybe the emperor was just bored. Maybe he wanted someone different.
If the worst happened and she got executed for something, at least Bai Yi and the two knights could go home. That didn't sound so bad.
Bai Yi wasted no time. She darted around the room, gathering dresses and accessories before Luqi could object.
"No, this is a special night, Princess," she said, brushing through Luqi's thick charcoal hair. "Leave it to me."