Chapter Twenty: A Distinguished Guest from Afar

After a night of gentle, lingering rain, the sky cleared at dawn.

Early that morning, two imperial decrees were issued from the palace.

The first arrived at Yanxi Palace: Consort Yan’s rank was reduced by one, demoting her to Lady Yan. The second reached Jinhua Palace: Consort Jin was demoted by five ranks, becoming Concubine Jin. Such decrees stirred an uproar throughout the palace and the court alike.

Many found the punishment of Consort Jin to be expected; she was notorious for her arrogance and had never been well-liked in private. But Lady Yan, on the other hand, was widely beloved—her innocence and vivacity were rare within the palace. The news of her demotion drew much regret and sympathy.

This event served as a clear warning to all: the newly crowned Blood Empress was not to be trifled with, and her standing in the King’s heart was now indisputable.

Unbeknownst to most, the winds within the palace had already begun to shift.

Yet Xuexue paid little heed to such matters. She emerged from Ji Wu Qing’s chambers, her face drawn with exhaustion. Her slender hand rubbed her neck, her entire body aching. She now understood the meaning of “sharing a bed, dreaming separate dreams.” Ji Wu Qing must have terrible sleeping habits; he’d clung to her neck all night, and she awoke feeling thoroughly uncomfortable.

Passing palace servants halted to bow to her, stealing glances as she passed. Seeing the Queen’s weary expression, their conviction of her growing favor only deepened.

“Your Highness, please don’t run so fast!” Not far away, a little girl in pink—Xiao Xier—hurried towards Xuexue, surrounded by attendants.

Xiao Xier’s hair was styled in two small buns, tied with pink gauzy ribbons that fluttered in the breeze. The little princess’s boundless energy wore the palace staff to exhaustion, but she paid them no mind and dove straight into Xuexue’s arms.

“Mother, where did you go last night? Xier thought you didn’t want her anymore.” She pouted, her chubby cheeks full of grievance.

“Nonsense! Where else would I be but here?” Xuexue knew well the little girl’s mind. She stroked her small face—it was so tiny, her hand easily covered it.

“Mother must have been tricked away by that old man... by Father. But don’t worry, Xier will protect you.” Xiao Xier ignored her mother’s mild rebuke, gazing up at her with earnest resolve.

“Your Highness…” Tao Xin, watching the little girl nestle stubbornly in Xuexue’s embrace, could only smile in exasperation.

“That’s enough, Xier, Mother understands. Hurry to your lessons now, don’t be late.” Xuexue smiled, gently extracting the child and handing her off to Yu Zhi without any room for protest. “Yu Zhi, see her to her studies.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Yu Zhi took the little hand and led Xiao Xier away.

But Xiao Xier pressed a hand to her forehead, sighing, “Why doesn’t Mother believe I can protect her?” Her vexed expression was so comical it set the nearby servants laughing.

With her keen hearing, Xuexue caught every word. Her brows relaxed, warmth blooming quietly in her heart.

“A greeting to Your Majesty.” A deep voice, impeccably respectful, sounded as a man in palace attire approached.

“Ritual Minister Miao Jian, rise. Has His Majesty sent word?”

“Your Majesty, today the palace welcomes esteemed guests: the Regent of Cheng Kingdom and his consort. His Majesty commands that you oversee tonight’s banquet, ensuring our guests leave with nothing but praise.” Miao Jian spoke crisply, wasting no words.

“I understand,” Xuexue nodded, thoughtful.

“Your Majesty, isn’t the time rather tight?” Tao Xin, standing at her side and noting her calm expression, voiced her concern.

“We’ll do our best.”

Soon, the palace was bustling. Each department performed its duties with perfect order; not a hint of confusion marred the preparations.

The palace staff watched in astonishment. Though the Blood Empress carried herself with distinguished grace, she hailed from a humble family; many expected tonight’s feast to be a disorganized affair. Yet everything unfolded with flawless precision, surpassing even the famed banquets once orchestrated by Noble Consort Yu.

“Your Majesty, perhaps our help is superfluous,” a palace maid in blue murmured, wide-eyed at the transformed hall. She had intended to assist the Queen, but clearly—

“I underestimated Her Majesty and overestimated myself,” Noble Consort Yu remarked with a self-mocking smile, barely believing her own eyes.

As for the sudden visitors—Cheng Kingdom’s Regent and his consort—they were a striking pair: the Regent, the very image of a gentle nobleman, and the consort, a lively and delicate young maiden.

Rumor held that the two were a match made in heaven. The Regent was utterly devoted to his young wife, who, though orphaned and powerless, was cherished by him above all else.

That night, the palace banquet glittered with splendor.

Music and dance filled the air, blossoms seemed to bloom in profusion. Red silk lanterns hung in perfect order from the ceilings, bathing the hall in a warm glow.

The King and Queen, splendidly attired, sat at the head of the hall. Ji Wu Qing wore a black dragon robe, embroidered with golden dragons soaring through clouds. A golden crown adorned his head, set with an ink-black jade pin, his expression serene.

Xuexue wore deep crimson phoenix robes, the fabric embroidered with golden phoenixes whose wings stretched wide, seeming to soar across her form. Her makeup was exquisitely applied, her elaborate headdress sparkling with gold and adorned with phoenix motifs—she radiated the very essence of a queen.

Below her sat Noble Consort Yu, elegant and classical; Lady Yan, fresh and refined; Lady Xiliang, jade-like in her beauty; Lady Qin, alluring and charming; and Concubine Jin, sweet and coquettish. Further down sat the civil and military officials.

Seated below Ji Wu Qing were the two honored guests: the Regent of Cheng, Cheng Feng, and his consort, Yin Yueying. It was the Regent’s consort who drew the most attention—not because she outshone her husband, but because her appearance was so extraordinary.

She seemed sixteen or seventeen at most, with clear, pale blue eyes so deep they threatened to draw one in. Her long, chestnut curls fell past her waist, half of them twisted into a bun and secured with a slender silver hairpin.

Her looks, so different from those around her, were strange yet breathtaking.

She sat quietly at the Regent’s side, but her blue eyes never ceased their curious exploration of the hall.

“The decorations are exquisite—King Ji must have gone to great lengths,” remarked the Regent, his voice gentle as jade and low as velvet.

He wore a dark blue robe, embroidered with subtle floral shadows, his face impossibly handsome yet tinged with pallor. Yet there was a warmth about him, like a piece of gentle jade, warming all who drew near.

This was the Regent of Cheng—so refined, yet already ruling his country’s affairs at only twenty years old.

“All credit belongs to my Queen. This banquet is her doing—I too am most pleasantly surprised,” Ji Wu Qing said, glancing at Xuexue with a meaningful smile.

“Your Majesty and the Regent are too kind. Tonight’s preparations were rushed—please forgive any shortcomings,” Xuexue replied, her expression tranquil, without the slightest trace of pride.

Her composure only fueled the secret envy burning in the eyes of the other consorts.

…Author’s note…
Please do not overanalyze the ranks and titles of the consorts; they do not withstand scrutiny.