58. Forcing me to wear that dress

Afternoon, Palace of Nurtured Elegance

Banquets in the imperial palace were generally held in the evening, and those young women who had yet to receive a formal title were not permitted to attend such national festivities. According to custom, attendance was forbidden, though exceptions could be made if the emperor or empress granted their consent. Just now, the Empress had issued an oral decree, allowing Hui Yue’er and Li Wanrong to attend tonight’s banquet. Li Wanrong was utterly delighted, while Hui Yue’er, were it not for the hope of seeing Zhao Chengxian, would have preferred not to go; such gatherings were never to her taste.

The elderly eunuch who conveyed the decree also said to Hui Yue’er, “Princess Suyue, Her Majesty the Empress wishes you to wear the bicolor gauze skirt that His Majesty bestowed upon you for tonight’s banquet!” In truth, Du Haiju intended to give Lady Shu a taste of humility; she could permit Lady Shu’s cousin to attend, demonstrating the Empress’s magnanimity, yet by making Hui Yue’er appear in that striking dress, she would instantly overshadow Lady Shu. Du Haiju cared little for others stealing her own thunder, for tonight she was not the protagonist—any woman able to captivate Xuanyuan Ren’s heart would hardly be ordinary.

Hui Yue’er was startled, exclaiming, “What? I must wear that skirt? Has Her Majesty made a mistake? That skirt does not suit me; perhaps I should present it to the Empress for her to wear instead!” She disliked wearing overly delicate, feminine attire; even her current ensemble, a young lady's dress, was already the most gentle and womanly she had ever donned.

The elderly eunuch’s smile vanished, and he declared sternly, “Princess Suyue, mind your words and conduct. The Empress’s command must not be defied!” The other young women, who had long disapproved of Hui Yue’er, were greatly satisfied; their envy of her was palpable.

With no choice, Yue’er performed a formal bow and thanked the Empress, “I shall respectfully obey Her Majesty’s command!” The Empress certainly managed a wide domain. She glared at those young women who had been enjoying her discomfort; they immediately lowered their heads, for all feared Yue’er to some extent.

Only Li Wanrong met Yue’er’s gaze, and, with a hint of disregard, said, “I thought you were so remarkable, yet you too must yield to Her Majesty’s orders!” She secretly hoped Hui Yue’er would defy Du Haiju’s command, for such insubordination would surely bring trouble upon her, and that would please Li Wanrong greatly.

Yue’er rose calmly, smiled at Li Wanrong, and said, “Miss Li, do you mean to suggest you could disobey Her Majesty’s decree? I, Hui Yue’er, do not possess such courage. Surely, Miss Li is a brave soul unafraid of authority!” Yue’er wished to see how Li Wanrong would respond before the eunuch—would she prefer to lose face, or risk offending the Empress?

Li Wanrong realized she had dug her own grave, hoisted by her own petard. Regret came too late; everyone was watching her, especially the Empress’s eunuch, who stared relentlessly. She abandoned dignity, bit her lip, and muttered, “Who would dare defy Her Majesty’s decree? One must value one’s life!” Oh, the regret.

Yue’er smiled faintly and dismissed the eunuch. She cast a disdainful glance at Li Wanrong, then returned to her chambers with Qiqi, who tried not to laugh. Once in their rooms, Qiqi burst into giggles, “Miss Li’s expression was priceless, hahaha…” She glanced at Hui Yue’er, who seemed troubled, and asked, “Sister Yue, why don’t you want to wear that gauze skirt? You’d surely look beautiful in it!” The girl’s thoughts were simple; if Hui Yue’er appeared so dazzling at tonight’s banquet, leaving the palace would become impossible.

Yue’er looked at the bicolor gauze skirt with a sigh, “It is indeed beautiful, but it does not suit me—much like the imperial harem!” The palace was grand and luxurious, but if one did not enjoy it, happiness was elusive. Qiqi nodded, half understanding.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, those neither young nor old, hurry and shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts—hold nothing back! Let the wild storm rage even more fiercely!