Chapter 10: 010 Stunned

The atmosphere in He'an Palace gradually grew cold...

The original laughter and joy were now as still as stagnant water. Seeing the Empress Dowager's expression, the ministers and concubines held their breath, not daring to speak.

"Does this Consort Liu not hold me in any regard?" The smile gradually faded from the Empress Dowager's cheeks, and the atmosphere turned tense. She stood up abruptly and slammed her hand against the nearby table, causing the teacups to rattle. She rebuked loudly, "It seems that if I do not personally go to Yilan Palace, she will likely not appear!"

"Please calm your anger, Empress Dowager, do not let this upset your health." Xiao Dezi hurried forward to soothe her. This Liu Qian'er was far too bold; today was her birthday celebration, yet she actually dared to be absent. Was she not afraid of losing her head?

"Indeed, Mother, please do not let this upset your health!" Li Xi swayed her slender waist, walking exaggeratedly to the Empress Dowager's side. She took the Empress Dowager's hand and smiled charmingly, "Empress Dowager, do not bother with that ugly girl. She is likely just too afraid to show her face because of her mediocre looks, is she not?" She had long heard that not only was Liu Qian'er's beauty mediocre, but her temper was also quite violent, and she never stepped three paces outside her door. She had been married into the Imperial Palace for over a month, yet she had never come to He'an Palace to pay her respects; surely she lacked the courage to appear today.

"Not bother with her?" The Empress Dowager glanced at Li Xi and sneered, "My magnanimity is not that great!" She had been in the palace for a month without coming to pay her respects, and she had yet to punish this great act of disrespect.

"Then how about I go to Yilan Palace to invite her?" Li Xi asked tentatively. She also wanted to see just how much airs Liu Qian'er put on.

"No need. I shall go personally, so that she can give me an explanation!" The Empress Dowager's expression grew increasingly grim as she slowly uttered, "Xiao Dezi, prepare the carriage for Yilan Palace!"

Xiao Dezi wore a bitter expression; Consort Liu was a good person, and he felt a bit reluctant to do this.

"Consort Liu arrives..." Just then, the eunuch's shrill announcement rang out.

Only then did Xiao Dezi breathe a sigh of relief and assist the Empress Dowager into her seat.

Everyone stared intently toward the source of the announcement, wanting to see just how unsightly this much-discussed Consort Liu truly was; most were watching with the mindset of waiting for a joke.

Liu Qian'er stepped elegantly from her sedan chair, wearing a floor-length white gown. The tight hem was embroidered with pink floral patterns, and a length of violet gossamer silk draped gracefully over her arms. Her slender waist was cinched by a purple brocade belt inlaid with emeralds.

Her jet-black hair was tied with a pale purple silk ribbon, with a few stray strands mischievously falling over her shoulders, making her skin—which looked as if it could break at a touch—appear even more translucent and white. Her face wore no makeup, yet she was fresh and moving; her eyes were like water, yet carried a faint chill, as if they could see through everything. Her slender fingers and skin were like congealed fat, a snowy white tinged with pink, appearing as if they could be wrung of water. Her dark hair was lightly styled with butterfly tassels, and a butterfly carved from a bright pearl rested on her forehead, emitting a faint glow. Her eyebrows were lightly brushed, and despite the lack of powder, her peerless beauty could not be hidden. A crystal necklace around her neck made her collarbones appear even more clear and cold, while the white jade bracelet on her wrist complemented her snow-like skin. On her feet were a pair of gilded shoes decorated with gemstones. As her beautiful eyes shifted, she was like a pale butterfly that had lost its breath in the darkness; her expression was indifferent, like a fairy who did not belong to the mortal realm. A smile curled at the corners of her mouth, ethereal, void, and magnificent, like fireworks...

Everyone instantly held their breath, staring blankly at Liu Qian'er.

A flash of surprise crossed the Empress Dowager's face, her eyes filled with bewilderment. Was the woman before her with such world-toppling beauty truly Liu Qian'er?

Li Xi stomped her foot in resentment. Wasn't she supposed to be an ugly woman? How could she be so beautiful? She feared that no one in this inner palace could compare! With her here, would the Emperor ever look at Li Xi again?

***

A word to the readers

Recommended new work: *Seeking the Nightmare, Capturing the Soul: The Enchanting Concubine Who Bewitched the Emperor*