"My Lady, are we really going?" Shen Li's voice was as thin as a mosquito's hum, carrying a tremor I could barely perceive.
I could feel her small hand gripping my sleeve so tightly that her knuckles had turned white. I held the gold-stamped invitation as if it weighed a thousand pounds, yet the corners of my mouth curled into a playful smile.
"We are going. Of course we are," I said, my tone airy, as if I were heading out for a spring outing rather than a dragon's den. "The Empress has extended such a gracious invitation—how could we refuse? To skip it would make us seem ungrateful, wouldn't it?"
I chose a pale yellow gown that made my skin appear as smooth as cream, and I had Shen Li style my hair in a simple bun, adorned only with a single white jade hairpin. It was understated, yet elegant enough to maintain my dignity. I had no intention of dressing up like a peacock just to serve as a target for the Empress.
Lu Zhao went as well. He was dressed in a robe of deep black silk, his stature as straight as a pine, radiating an icy, forbidding aura. He didn't say much; he only gave me a fleeting, calm glance. His eyes were as deep and inscrutable as an ancient well.
The banquet hosted by the Empress was incredibly luxurious. The palace was a blaze of gold and jade, filled with the clinking of glasses and the rustle of fine silk. I felt like a butterfly that had strayed into a flower garden—fragile, yet conspicuous.
The Empress sat tall upon her phoenix throne, regal and imposing. Her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, and she wore a smile that didn't quite reach her gaze, which made my skin crawl.
"Crown Prince's Consort, I have heard that your medical skills are exceptional. Would you mind checking my pulse?" The Empress’s voice sounded amiable, yet it was sharp with hidden intent.
I smiled faintly and stepped forward with grace. "Your Majesty is too kind. I only have a superficial understanding; I wouldn't dare try to show off in front of you."
"There is no need for such humility, Crown Prince's Consort," the Empress said, her tone heavy with meaning. "I have heard that you used some... unconventional methods to cure the Crown Prince's chronic illness. Might you tell me what those methods were?"
I feigned shyness and lowered my head. "I wouldn't dare speak out of turn. I only did my best."
The Empress chuckled softly. "Crown Prince's Consort, are you trying to hide something from me?"
I looked up, my gaze steady. "I would not dare."
Just then, an official suddenly collapsed, foaming at the mouth and convulsing.
"Help! Someone has been poisoned!" Chaos erupted in the crowd.
The Empress stood up abruptly, pointed a finger at me, and shouted, "Su Mingyue! How dare you! To think you would commit such a crime at my birthday banquet!"
I sneered inwardly. What a tired, old trick. I walked over to the official and knelt down to examine his symptoms closely.
"Your Majesty, this official hasn't been poisoned. He is..." I paused deliberately, building the suspense until everyone was hanging on my words. "...he is faking it."
"Nonsense!" the Empress roared. "Guards! Seize this witch!"
I remained perfectly calm and explained, "The official’s pulse is steady and his breathing is regular; there are absolutely no signs of poisoning. Furthermore, the foam at his mouth is not caused by poison, but by a specific herbal extract that stimulates the body to mimic the symptoms of toxicity."
I asked someone to fetch a few simple herbs and fed them to the official. Within moments, he returned to normal, and the so-called "poisoning symptoms" vanished. The looks the crowd directed toward me shifted from suspicion to surprise, and finally, to admiration.
The Empress’s face turned ghastly. Her meticulously crafted plan had been easily dismantled by me once again.
"Su Mingyue," the Empress hissed through gritted teeth, "your methods are truly something else!"
I smiled slightly. "You are too kind, Your Majesty."
"Hmph!" The Empress swept her sleeves and departed, leaving me standing there to bask in the admiring gazes of the guests.
Lu Zhao walked to my side, his eyes complex and difficult to read. "You..." He hesitated, as if searching for the right words. "You did well."
I looked at him, a knowing smile touching my lips. "Crown Prince, this is only the beginning."
The banquet ended, and the night deepened. Lu Zhao walked beside me without a word, his steps steady and deliberate, as if he were treading upon the very shadows of the night. A flicker of emotion stirred in my heart; this cold, proud man seemed different tonight. The occasional glances he cast in my direction were no longer icy, but held a warmth of light.
"Your performance today was truly impressive," Lu Zhao said, his voice low but carrying a hint of genuine appreciation.
I smiled, my steps light as I followed behind him. "You are too kind, Crown Prince. I only did what was expected of me."
He raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by my response. "Is your medical knowledge really just 'superficial'?"
I shook my head and whispered, "Medicine is as vast as the sea. I have learned only the basics, but it is enough to handle a few cheap tricks."
Lu Zhao nodded, his gaze deep. "You are more clever than I imagined."
My favorable impression of him spilled over, and I returned his look with a genuine smile. "Crown Prince, so are you."
We walked in silence, the only sound the rustling of the night wind through the treetops and the occasional chirping of insects, adding to the tranquility of the night. Before I knew it, we had reached the gates of my estate.
Lu Zhao stopped. "Don't worry, Crown Prince. I will take care of myself," I said firmly, though my tone softened with a trace of tenderness.
He gave a slight nod and turned as if to leave, but then paused and looked back at me once more. "Do not be careless. The Empress will not let this rest."
Just then, a cold gust of wind blew by, and I couldn't help but shiver. Lu Zhao’s expression grew even more determined; he gave a brief nod and turned to walk away. I watched his receding figure, a complex feeling rising in my heart, as if a new chapter between us was about to unfold.
Meanwhile, back in the palace, the Empress was grinding her teeth in fury. Her eyes burned with rage as she hissed, "Su Mingyue, you wretch, I won't let you get away with this!" She clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms, her eyes filled with hateful light. She seemed to be plotting some new scheme, and she offered a cold, mirthless laugh. "This time, I will make sure you have nowhere to hide!"
And I, standing before the gate of my estate, whispered to myself, "Empress, I have yet to finish watching your little play."