38 Eligible Bachelor (1/2)
Li Wenmin came back just in time for the Duke and Duchess to drag all three children with them towards the largest tent. Leading up to it was a set of grand staircases that seemed never-ending.
Xueyue nervously trailed behind the twins while she fiddled with her fingers. She kept her head down and focused on each step. She didn't want to catch the unwanted attention of the Fourth Prince, even though he had been watching her the entire time since she emerged from the tent.
”Greetings to His Royal Majesty, the benevolent Emperor of Wuyi. May your wealth be everlasting and your health prosperous,” the twins greeted in unison, cupping their hands before dipping into a bow.
Xueyue gulped when she realized every pair of eyes from the Imperial Family was trained on her. She hadn't bowed yet. Nervously, she scrambled into a curtsy, ”Greetings to his royal majesty–”
”I take it that you've been well, little girl.” The Emperor's strict face shifted into slight amusement when he saw her stiffened and then glanced up at him with confusion.
”Thank you for your concern, your majesty. I've been raised generously by the Duke and Duchess.” Xueyue hoped her voice wasn't wavering like her heart. She was confused by his attention towards her, almost as if he knew her. But she didn't remember meeting him.
”I can see that. You've become a great beauty.”
The Imperial Family resisted the urge to raise their brows in curiosity. The Emperor rarely complimented people, nor did he treat them this kindly. Just who was this girl?
”Indeed, she is very beautiful, dear Emperor,” the Empress mused as she examined the girl from head to toe. ”What is your name?”
”Xueyue, your grace.”
”Just Xueyue?” The Empress raised a brow, glancing towards her sister-in-law, Duchess Li Qixing.
The Duke opened his mouth and was about to confirm the Empress's words, but the Duchess interjected, ”Her full name is Li Xueyue.”
”A Li?” The Empress curiously smiled, glancing at the Duke. Indeed, Xueyue resembled him, but there was something very different to her. She looked like the Duke, but not like how a daughter would look like her father.
”How interesting,” Imperial Consort Gu Feiying spoke up, her eyes taking in Xueyue's features. ”You look so much like–”
”She resembles me, doesn't she?” Duke Li Shenyang interjected, stepping in front of Xueyue.
”Ah, yes. But you weren't the person I had in mind.” Consort Gu Feiying strained a smile upon being interrupted. She glanced at the Emperor who didn't seem to mind the issue.
”What will you be competing in, Xueyue?” the Emperor inquired, his eyes shifting to her hazel pair of eyes. He expected her to avert her gaze, but she maintained eye contact – whether it was on purpose or not, he didn't know.
”Archery and sword fighting, your majesty.”
”What about the sports suitable for women?”
Xueyue shook her head, ”I'm not interested in them.”
The Emperor raised a brow before nodding towards the Duke. ”You've raised an interesting girl.”
Xueyue tried to ignore the penetrating stare of a certain individual which could bore a hole into the side of her head. She knew who was intently staring at her.
”Yes, I have. I'm proud of her.” Duke Li Shenyang chuckled a bit.
”As any father should.” The Emperor laughed, the sound rich and warm. ”You're excused.”
The Li Family bowed before heading down the stairs with Xueyue trailing close behind them.
”I look forward to your performance,” a voice suddenly spoke, causing the entire family to halt in their steps.
Xueyue gulped before turning around and forced a smile. ”Thank you, Fourth Prince Wang Longhe,” she said, to which he smirked and nodded.
Her face remained passive and neutral, despite the anxious storm brewing inside of her. He was one of the eligible bachelors of the country. Being the Prince, he could choose anyone he wanted from here. Including her. She shuddered at the idea as goosebumps crawled up her arms.