Chapter Fifteen: Entering the Palace to Meet the Emperor

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Zhou Jingxuan, upon receiving Lin Zhaoyan’s “gracious” invitation, proudly lifted his chin, casting a disdainful glance at Liang Yuqing. Liang Yuqing cursed inwardly but could only smile politely on the surface. “The Emperor summons the prince and the general; as for the heir apparent...” “The Emperor summons those who have merited it,” Lin Zhaoyan said firmly to Zhou Jingxuan, allowing no refusal. “Heir apparent, please.” Zhou Jingxuan grinned, patted Liang Yuqing on the shoulder, and cheerfully followed Lin Zhaoyan.

King Zhou stroked his beard, his mind lingering on the incident at the West City Gate today. Lin Zhaoyan was also puzzled but knew nothing of the intricate politics of the capital, leaving her to speculate without evidence. Perhaps someone, jealous of her rising influence, colluded with the Ministry of Rites to harm her by sending false information, causing her to be late and thus incur the Emperor’s displeasure. But who could it have been? They had set their sights on her even before she returned to the capital.

Lin Zhaoyan pondered deeply, yet the truth remained shrouded in mist. Upon reaching the palace gates, they had to proceed on foot. The palace attendants lowered their heads in silence, leading the four toward the Emperor’s residence. A towering palace came into view, its jade railings and exquisite carvings proclaiming the noble status of its occupant. Lin Zhaoyan looked up to see the golden plaque adorned with flourishing dragons and phoenixes; the attendant whispered that it was penned by the Emperor himself.

—The Radiance Hall. The palace where Emperor Su Chengyun conducted affairs and rested.

The attendants entered to announce their arrival, soon returning to summon Lin Zhaoyan for a private audience. Rarely did she feel nervous, but now she held her breath and walked calmly. The main hall was empty of Su Chengyun’s presence, only two rows of palace maids greeting Lin Zhaoyan respectfully. A low voice called from the inner chamber, “Enter.”

Instinctively, Lin Zhaoyan felt a twinge of displeasure. She composed her brows, revealing no emotion on her face. Inside the inner hall, she quickly surveyed the scene. Su Chengyun, a young emperor dressed in dark robes, sat cross-legged on a couch, leaning against a silk cushion embroidered with gold threads, his expression languid. Though young and simply attired, he carried an imposing aura.

Lin Zhaoyan respectfully cupped her fists and lowered her gaze. “Your servant Lin Zhaoyan pays respects to Your Majesty.” Su Chengyun’s demeanor softened suddenly, raising a hand. “There is no need for formalities between us.” “There is a difference between sovereign and subject; I dare not be remiss in my manners,” Lin Zhaoyan replied politely. The Emperor’s smile stiffened. His expression grew sour. “When you were young, you studied martial arts and literature with me; I thought that bond had not faded.” “Of course,” Lin Zhaoyan hastened to clarify inwardly cursing, “When I fought on the battlefield, my heart was devoted entirely to serving Your Majesty to the utmost, even to death.”

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Su Chengyun wore a faint smile. “Sit down. Since I have heard such words from you, I will dispense with formalities.” “Why were you late today?” His words were brief but carried a heavy pressure. Lin Zhaoyan considered carefully. “Minister Liang from the Ministry of Rites arranged our route into the city. He led us to the West City Gate, but it was deserted. After waiting a long time, we learned that Your Majesty was personally present at the East City Gate. I beg Your Majesty...” She was about to offer an apology when Su Chengyun grasped her wrist, pulling her up with a smile.

“I trust you.”

Lin Zhaoyan did not relax, sensing something amiss but choosing to suppress it for now. After all, the Emperor had not expressed anger, which was a relief.

“Did Prince Zhou’s heir apparent accompany the reinforcements? Did he cause you any trouble?” Su Chengyun inquired. “I have not seen him for some time; I wonder how his temperament is now.” “The heir apparent was a great help and caused no trouble,” Lin Zhaoyan clarified. “He is not as the rumors say.” “Is that so? I worried he might be a burden to you.” Su Chengyun frowned, surprised by her remark. Then he relaxed his brow. “Still, it’s best not to associate too closely with the heir apparent.”

Why? Lin Zhaoyan’s gaze questioned silently but she did not ask. Su Chengyun offered no explanation, rather he issued a mild command:

“For now, remain in the capital. There’s no rush to return to the frontier... Consider it a period of recuperation.” “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“This time we have dealt a heavy blow to the Qiquan army; we may finally breathe easier. I will hold a cleansing banquet in your honor—celebrate in grand style.” Lin Zhaoyan felt both anxious and grateful, finishing her formalities before reporting officially on the campaign’s details, carefully omitting the matter of Hu Yun.

Upon hearing of her poisoning and injury, Su Chengyun rose with concern, his index finger tracing circles on her shoulder. “Does it hurt? Is the scar formed yet?” She found this somewhat strange... Lin Zhaoyan stiffened. Seeing her discomfort, Su Chengyun withdrew his hand. “Later, I will send you to the Imperial Medical Institute for ointments. Leaving scars would be unfortunate.” “Thank you for Your Majesty’s care.”

“Hm, then let Prince Zhou and the heir apparent come in.” “Your servant takes leave now.” With his approval, Lin Zhaoyan quickened her pace and left.

Outside Radiance Hall, Lin Zhaoyan exhaled a barely perceptible sigh of relief. Zhou Jingxuan paced over, leaning close to look at her, about to speak but swallowed his words.

“The Emperor commands that King Zhou and the heir apparent be received.”

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Zhou Jingxuan followed King Zhou into the hall thoughtfully, his steps measured. Su Chengyun did not linger with the father and son; soon they emerged. “Let’s go,” Zhou Jingxuan said, his mood lifted upon seeing Lin Zhaoyan. “Didn’t the general invite me to a banquet? Today seems fitting.” Lin Zhaoyan tilted her head. “Certainly, but His Majesty has granted me ointment; I must fetch it from the Imperial Medical Institute.” “Oh... then I’ll go with you,” Zhou Jingxuan said decisively.

Yet the Emperor had instructed her to limit contact with the heir apparent. Lin Zhaoyan looked at Zhou Jingxuan and, on a whim, nodded. King Zhou, however, remained thoughtful. “I have urgent matters and will leave the palace first. If you encounter trouble here, be careful not to offend the nobility.” “Don’t worry,” Zhou Jingxuan assured, nudging King Zhou outward, earning a sharp glare.

The palace attendants led the two to the Imperial Medical Institute, but Zhou Jingxuan’s pace gradually slowed. Lin Zhaoyan glanced back and saw him idly playing with flowers and plants, looking quite at ease. She was about to speak when Zhou Jingxuan casually approached, hiding his hand in the wide sleeve of his robe and grasping her wrist.

Lin Zhaoyan did not pull away; instead, she stepped closer and whispered, “Speak quickly if you have something to say.” Zhou Jingxuan blinked innocently. “Nothing, just giving you a flower.” With that, he tucked a wildflower into her hair.

Lin Zhaoyan thought: ...Don’t make me hit you in the palace.

“Boring.” She pulled away but noticed the palace attendants sneaking glances at them, and the maids sweeping nearby occasionally looked up as well. Zhou Jingxuan smiled as if unaware. “Why do you dislike me so much, General?”

An idea sparked in Lin Zhaoyan’s mind. She rolled her eyes at Zhou Jingxuan and said coldly, “Heir apparent, please conduct yourself properly. Were it not for King Zhou’s instructions to look after you leaving the palace, I would never have accompanied you.” The latter lowered his gaze, looking aggrieved. “But...” Lin Zhaoyan removed the wildflower and turned away.

Not long after, they encountered a stunningly beautiful woman in the Imperial Garden. The palace attendants immediately bowed deeply, their expressions fearful. “Your humble servant pays respects to the Noble Consort. Long live the Noble Consort.”