Chapter 37 (1/2)

Chapter 37: Rivaling Beauty

The emperor sighed. ”My dear, why do you do this to yourself? Yin'er got himself killed eating what he shouldn't have… I am disappointed in him.”

The empress snapped her head up and handed the slip of paper to the emperor. ”Qi Chen was behind Yin'er's death. He disregarded their bond as siblings and got Yin'er killed.”

The emperor took a look at what was written on the paper, his eyebrows furrowed. He knew Qi Chen had something to do with Qi Yin's death, but what else should he do? He had lost the crown prince; he couldn't possibly kill his other son as well.

The emperor stood up without a word. His silence was enough to wound the empress. She struggled to her feet. ”How can you let Qi Chen get away with this? Wasn't Yin'er your son as well? Do you know – do you know that Yin'er was my everything? Now I don't have a son anymore. What do you want me to do?”

”Stop with this nonsense. Don't think I don't know what you and your brother have been doing recently. I didn't say anything, but that doesn't mean I don't know anything. I don't blame you because you have just lost your son. But now you dare to criticize me?” The emperor's tone was steely. Tears streaked down the empress's face, but she didn't say another word. Instead, she huffed and quietly left the palace.

The emperor looked at the slip of paper again, his chest tightened. Then a eunuch entered and reported that Qi Chen was here. He could feel his temples throbbing.

”Your Majesty, should I let the second prince in?” the eunuch looked at him and asked carefully.

”Forget it. Tell him to leave. I am tired and don't want to see anyone.”

The eunuch left to tell Qi Chen the emperor's order. Qi Chen frowned and stopped the eunuch from leaving. ”Do you know what Royal Father is concerned about?”

The eunuch shook his head and said that he didn't know why the emperor turned Qi Chen away. Qi Chen had no choice but to leave.

Since that day, the emperor grew more and more distant to Qi Chen. It wasn't obvious. But he no longer asked Qi Chen for opinions in private. Qi Chen was caught off guard. The officials started to think that Qi Chen was losing his influence over the court.

Qi Chen clenched his teeth. An emperor could not be predicted. But it was still difficult to lose the emperor's favor so suddenly. On top of that, the royal uncle's people had been riling him up. It was only natural that Qi Chen would be angry.

”Please control your anger, Your Highness. It's bad for your health. Tomorrow is the banquet of a hundred families. Your Highness must remember to attend. You can relax there.” The director of the ministry of rites approached Qi Chen, trying to get on his good side.

Qi Chen nodded. ”Don't you worry. I will be there.”

The banquet of a hundred families was held yearly. Most attendees were young men from esteemed families. On that day, they would all gather in one place. Some young women from rich families would come to meet with the young men as well, trying to find a good husband.

Unmarried women would do anything they could to be noticed by the ones their hearts belong to, trying to be chosen by them.

And men could not only find a woman they liked, but also find friends who shared their values. It was therefore a very lively event. Accompanied by beautiful people and good wine – it was a guaranteed good time.

After returning to his manor, it came to Qi Chen's mind that Jun Huang had done a lot for him, and should be allowed to attend the banquet with him. For as long as he knew Jun Huang, Jun Huang wanted neither money nor status. If he could find Jun Huang a good woman, it would be ideal.

Without notifying Jun Huang beforehand, he sent for a tailor to come to the manor and make two outfits for Jun Huang. Jun Huang was born good-looking and shouldn't be overlooked because of clothes.

Soon, the tailor was here. After understanding the requirements, the tailor promised to deliver the outfits tomorrow morning. He left Prince Chen Manor with some silver.

Around the same time, Jun Huang was resting in her place. Her beautiful eyes were half-closed, concealing the brightness underneath. Her clothes fluttered in the wind as she lay on the empress chair. On the teapoy next to her were a pot of tea and some pastries. She couldn't look more relaxed.

Wei Qian was watching Jun Huang in a hallway far away from her. She didn't get closer. Neither did she say anything. Her eyes, however, never left Jun Huang.

The next morning, Jun Huang was still asleep when there was a knocking sound. She was a light sleeper. She immediately jumped off the bed and got changed. After getting herself presentable, she opened the door. There were a couple beautiful women right outside. One of them had a bowl of water in her hand. Another was holding some clothes. They each took a side, while Wei Qian standing at the front, blocking them.

”What's the matter?” Jun Huang blinked. This was inappropriate.

One of the women rolled her eyes at Wei Qian before turning to Jun Huang with a sweet smile. ”Your Highness asked us to help the gentleman get changed.”

Jun Huang was even more confused. She had told Qi Chen she didn't like being served, and still he did this? She wondered what he was up to.