The air of uncertainty and cautious deference filled the hall as the Emperor, clad in resplendent imperial yellow, entered with the elegant, spirited, and coolly beautiful Empress. The key figures of the day had finally all arrived.
"Greetings, Your Majesty, Empress."
"Rise," Emperor Xian commanded with a calm, steely tone. His words carried a bloodthirsty dominance that seemed to press down on everyone's hearts. Immediately, they responded with respect, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
As the Emperor and Empress walked across the grand red carpet towards the high seats, they saw the Empress Dowager and Imperial Consort, adorned in magnificent robes, and a woman whose beauty evoked pity. The Emperor's gaze, devoid of emotion, swept over them, and he spoke in a deep, resonant voice, "Your son greets his mother."
"Sit down."
"Yes," Mu Rong Liu Zun replied, leading Mu Qingyao to sit.
After the Emperor and Empress were seated, the Emperor began at his leisure, "Everyone, please be seated."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," a collective sigh of relief rippled through the hall. Though the Emperor was divinely handsome, his presence was stifling, making people instinctively want to flee.
Beside him, the Empress was like a delicate hibiscus flower, exuding an aura of coldness. Her starlike, dark eyes held no warmth as she indifferently observed the guests below.
Rumor had it that Prince Nan'an's successful escape from his predicament was entirely thanks to the Empress.
Seeing her now, the Empress was vastly different from before. Her demeanor was as cold as ice, utterly unaffected by the people and events around her.
It seemed the rumors were true.
At the Emperor's command, music filled the air, and dancers gracefully took the stage. Dressed in vibrant red, like flowing blood, they painted streaks of color through the air.
With fragrant wine and beautiful women present, the guests momentarily lost themselves in the revelry. The initial caution was cast aside as conversation flowed freely, and the atmosphere became lively. The Emperor gazed intently at the dancing figures on the red carpet, his eyes reflecting a deep, unfathomable undercurrent.
As the music concluded, the dancers withdrew.
Silence descended upon the flower banquet. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the Emperor seated on the high dais. Emperor Xian's inscrutable nature made many hesitant to fully indulge, fearing they might invite a fatal disaster. It was said that serving a ruler was like walking with a tiger.
A quiet stillness hung in the air, creating an odd atmosphere.
Did Emperor Xian not know that he was the cause of this strangeness?
Yet, even knowing this, he could not leave. For today, he intended to bestow marriages upon the Prince of Beijin and the Prince of Nan'an. This was an urgent matter, not only because both princes were past the age of taking consorts, but also for the Prince of Beijin...
"Today is a flower banquet. You may all relax and be at ease. There is no need for formality."
Emperor Xian let out a hearty laugh that seemed to pierce the heavens, exuding immense grandeur. Below, a chorus of polite chuckles responded, yet no one dared to be too unrestrained.
Mu Rong Liu Zun cast a sidelong glance at Mu Qingyao beside him.
He saw that the young woman was completely composed, sipping her wine and admiring the flowers. Her entire attention was focused on the precious Dragon's Claw flower before her, which bloomed vibrantly, resembling dragon claws with its imposing presence.
"Since this is a flower banquet, it is inappropriate to have wine without conversation. Let us introduce something novel."
The Emperor's words evoked some reaction, raising the spirits considerably. Especially since everyone perceived the Emperor's desire to enliven the atmosphere, they naturally responded in kind, "Your Majesty is most thoughtful."
"Then, let the Empress preside over this."
Mu Qingyao paused for a moment, then looked up and gave Emperor Xian a stern, cold glare without any courtesy.
Why did this man drag her into everything? Didn't he simply want to arrange marriages for the Prince of Nan'an and the Prince of Beijin? If he fancied someone, he could simply bestow the marriage. Why all this fuss about something novel, and why involve her in its execution?
Seeing Mu Qingyao's slight annoyance, Mu Rong Liu Zun's deep, ocean-like eyes were tinged with a gentle smile.
Mu Qingyao's principle was not to strike a smiling face. She turned her gaze back to the flower banquet, noticing that everyone's attitude was somewhat stiff, their expressions unnatural, as if they were overly constrained. The scene had become momentarily frozen.
No wonder the Emperor had involved her; he wanted her to liven things up.
This was not difficult. Mu Qingyao's eyes darted around. Today's flower banquet was, in essence, a marriage bestowal, a disguised matchmaking event.
If that were the case, why not organize an ancient version of a super dating show? With the idea settled, Mu Qingyao's lips curved into a smile. Everyone's eyes brightened; the Empress's smile was truly beautiful.
"Very well, today at this flower banquet, we shall introduce something novel. We will not be reciting poetry or playing traditional games, but something uniquely different. Now, I invite everyone to rearrange yourselves. Let the men sit on one side and the women on the other."
The Empress's command was absolute. Who would dare disobey? Though they didn't know what the Empress intended, the atmosphere immediately became invigorated, and a flicker of unknown excitement appeared on everyone's faces.
The men's group was led by the Prince of Nan'an, followed by the Prince of Beijin, Chu Qianyi, and Liu Qianmu.
The women's group was led by Princess Mu Rong Ruoyin, followed by Princess Xing Zhu and Li Xiaowan.
As everyone settled into their positions, Mu Qingyao was about to announce the rules when a person rose from beside Imperial Consort Chu Yu Yan. With a graceful bow, a voice as melodious as a warbler's call sounded.
"Reporting to the Empress, may Xin Yue participate in the game?"
It was Xi Men Xin Yue. Mu Qingyao's pupils flickered. She was a candidate for the imperial harem. Knowing this was a matchmaking event, why would she still want to participate in such a game? Was she ignorant, or did she have another motive? It was likely the latter.
Mu Qingyao did not expose her. She merely spoke lightly,
"Since Miss Xin Yue wishes to participate, then please take a seat with the women's group."
"Thank you, Empress."
Xi Men Xin Yue's slender, willow-like figure slowly descended from the high platform towards the women's group. Her graceful form attracted many gazes. Perhaps, it was the one seated on the high dais that she most wished to attract.
Mu Qingyao's lips curled into a cold smile as she spoke calmly.
"Alright, now I shall announce the rules. This is actually a game, and it is very simple."
"I will pose a riddle. You may rush to answer. Whoever answers correctly can ask a question to the person they most wish to ask. If that person refuses to answer, you may perform a talent or ask someone else for help. As long as someone helps you, you can pass. Conversely, if a man answers the riddle, he can ask a woman a question. If the woman answers, he passes. If she does not answer, he shall be fined three cups of wine."
As Mu Qingyao finished speaking, the atmosphere below immediately became more intense, with many eyes sparkling with fervent anticipation.
They had been wondering how to express their affection to their beloved, and this was the perfect opportunity to reveal their true feelings. Many were eager to participate.
"Good."
Seeing the heightened atmosphere, Emperor Xian's handsome face broke into a smile, gentle as spring rain after a long drought. The Empress's move was indeed extraordinary. His gaze held a hidden gleam as he quietly observed everything unfolding.
From a corner of the flower banquet, the Empress Dowager's gaze was sharp. Despite her animosity towards the woman before her, she had to admit once again that this woman's mind was truly extraordinarily brilliant.