You want her to enter the palace?

Morning, Imperial Palace, Rear Garden

After court was dismissed today, Xuanyuan Ren summoned Zhao Chengxian to the palace, intending to inform him of his decision. After all, the triennial selection was a tradition established by their ancestors, and allowing Hui Yue’er to participate as the sister of Prince Jun was hardly unreasonable. All it required was two imperial edicts. Xuanyuan Ren gazed at the graceful array of chrysanthemums, feeling little stirring in his heart, for he was certain Zhao Chengxian would agree. From childhood, Zhao Chengxian had treated him as his own brother, always supporting his decisions without asking for reasons. Such was the trust between brothers.

Zhao Chengxian arrived, and seeing that they were alone, he did not perform the formal rites between sovereign and subject. Instead, he casually asked, “Busy man, what brings me here today? Is it those two old foxes making another move?” He had not expected that Xuanyuan Ren’s summons was not for matters of state, but for a girl.

Xuanyuan Ren motioned Zhao Chengxian to sit and personally poured him a cup of tea, smiling. “It’s nothing serious—just a small favor I need from you.” He had never asked anyone for help with his personal affairs, so he felt a little embarrassed.

Zhao Chengxian took a sip of tea, holding the cup as he smiled at Xuanyuan Ren. “Impossible. If it’s nothing serious, would the Emperor himself pour me tea? Out with it—whatever it is, for the sake of this cup, I’ll help you with all my strength.” Would he have agreed so readily if he knew it concerned Hui Yue’er?

“With your word, I am reassured,” Xuanyuan Ren said, rising and walking to the lakeside. “You know the selection is about to begin. I’ve fallen for a girl, but unfortunately she’s not the daughter of any noble or official. The Empress suggested you recognize her as your sworn sister, so she can enter the palace for the selection. The Queen Mother has agreed as well.” He was confident that once Hui Yue’er entered the palace, she would fall for him, just as all the women of the harem had, waiting for him with unwavering loyalty.

Zhao Chengxian was puzzled and asked, “Wait, wait—first tell me, how did you meet her? Who is this girl?” He had a bad feeling. In truth, Zhao Chengxian understood Yue’er far better than Xuanyuan Ren. Despite their constant squabbling, he knew Hui Yue’er was a girl who hated being constrained—even the slightest restriction made her uncomfortable, let alone the palace, a place bound by rules and rituals. She would never endure it.

Xuanyuan Ren smiled. “You know her well.” Seeing Zhao Chengxian’s look of astonishment, Xuanyuan Ren smiled again. “You’ve guessed, haven’t you? She’s Hui Yue’er from your residence. Though she said she doesn’t wish to enter the palace, I am confident she’ll be happier there than outside.” Would Hui Yue’er truly be happy without her freedom?

Zhao Chengxian immediately replied, “If you were still a royal guard, you could make Little Moon happy. But you are the Emperor—do you think someone as free-spirited as Little Moon could endure the restrictions of the harem? Your Majesty, please reconsider, if only for her sake!” He had to admit that, upon hearing it was Yue’er, his heart clenched unexpectedly. Perhaps it was just surprise—but was it really only that?

Xuanyuan Ren spoke with commanding confidence. “I refuse to believe I cannot protect the girl I love. Rest assured, I will grant her everything she desires!” Zhao Chengxian wanted to protest further, but Xuanyuan Ren gave him no chance, declaring firmly, “Enough. Tomorrow, I’ll issue the edict. Remember your promise!” He glanced at the cup before Zhao Chengxian.

Zhao Chengxian rose, saluted, and said, “When Your Majesty issues the edict, I shall obey. If there is nothing further, I take my leave.” In that instant, the distance between them widened. Zhao Chengxian departed, and Xuanyuan Ren gazed at his retreating figure, lost in thought. He began to doubt whether his decision was right—but it was too late to turn back now.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those neither young nor old, hurry and shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back—let the storm rage on even fiercer!