ebookland Chapter 8 First stirrings of emotion
Chapter 8 First stirrings of emotion
After successfully resolving the flower-related controversy, Su Yao's position in the palace gradually became more secure, and her responsibilities increased daily. She shuttled between the Imperial Garden and various palaces every day, busy but fulfilled. In the midst of these interactions in palace life, she also had more interactions with the male lead—the young and promising Third Prince, Xuan Yuan Che.
That day, Su Yao was checking on the growth of the flowers in the Imperial Garden as usual. It was springtime, and the garden was in full bloom, with colorful flowers vying for attention and emitting a captivating fragrance. Su Yao moved among the flowers, occasionally squatting down to carefully observe the petals and stamens, while holding a notebook in her hand to record her flower care tips, diligently noting down every subtle change.
Xuan Yuanche happened to pass by the Imperial Garden and was captivated by the magnificent display of flowers. He strolled into the garden and immediately spotted Su Yao busily working among the blossoms. Dressed in an elegant palace gown, her graceful figure and focused expression were even more captivating in the sunlight. Xuan Yuanche was drawn to her and slowly approached.
Su Yao was focused on a beautiful peony and didn't notice anyone approaching. It wasn't until Xuan Yuanche spoke softly, "This peony is blooming beautifully under your care," that Su Yao was startled. She turned around and saw that it was the Third Prince. She quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Highness. Your Highness is too kind. I was just doing my duty."
Xuanyuan Che slightly raised his hand to indicate that she should not stand on ceremony: "So you are Su Yao? I have long heard of your outstanding talent. Not only did you perform well in the selection of talented women, but you also manage this imperial garden in an orderly manner." Su Yao humbly replied: "Your Highness is too kind. I only learned some knowledge about flower cultivation by chance. I am content as long as I can add a little beauty to the palace."
After that, Xuanyuan Che frequently visited the Imperial Garden, ostensibly to admire the flowers, but in reality, he wanted to spend more time with Su Yao. Sometimes they would discuss poetry and literature, with Xuanyuan Che impressed by Su Yao's unique insights; other times they would chat about interesting events in the palace, Su Yao's humorous and witty remarks often making Xuanyuan Che laugh heartily. Unbeknownst to them, a subtle affection quietly blossomed in their hearts.
However, their interactions did not escape the notice of those with ulterior motives. Lin Wanqing, upon learning of the Third Prince's close relationship with Su Yao, was consumed by jealousy. She conspired with Consort Li, who secretly harbored feelings for Xuan Yuanche, in an attempt to sabotage Su Yao and Xuan Yuanche's relationship.
Consort Li hosted a banquet in the palace and specially invited Xuan Yuanche and Su Yao. During the banquet, Consort Li deliberately made things difficult for Su Yao, forcing her to perform an extremely difficult dance in front of everyone. Su Yao knew it was a trap, but she couldn't refuse, so she had no choice but to bite the bullet and go on stage.
Su Yao danced gracefully on stage, and although she tried her best, her lack of professional dance training inevitably resulted in some flaws. Lin Wanqing watched the spectacle from the sidelines, occasionally making sarcastic remarks: "Sister Su, your dance might be passable in the common people's world, but isn't it a bit below standard for this imperial banquet?"
Seeing Su Yao's embarrassment, Xuan Yuanche stood up, picked up a zither, and played a beautiful piece for her. Su Yao danced to the music, gradually finding her rhythm, and her movements became more graceful. When the piece ended, thunderous applause filled the hall. Xuan Yuanche looked at Su Yao, his eyes full of tenderness and encouragement: "Su Yao, you danced beautifully."
Su Yao was grateful, knowing that Xuan Yuanche was helping her out of a predicament. This scene, however, only enraged Consort Li and Lin Wanqing even more. Consort Li gritted her teeth secretly, determined to find even more ruthless methods to deal with Su Yao; she absolutely could not let her steal Xuan Yuanche away.
After the banquet, Xuan Yuanche escorted Su Yao back to her residence. On the way, Xuan Yuanche softly said to Su Yao, "Su Yao, don't mind their刁难 (difficulties/challenges). I believe in your talent and charm. In the future, if you encounter any difficulties, you can tell me, and I will definitely protect you." Su Yao felt a warmth in her heart, looked up at Xuan Yuanche, her eyes filled with gratitude and a unique emotion: "Thank you, Your Highness. With your words, I have nothing to fear."
But Su Yao also knew that her path in the palace was becoming increasingly difficult. Ahead lay not only the intrigues and schemes of palace power struggles, but also numerous obstacles in her relationship with Xuan Yuanche. Yet she would not back down. In this vortex of the court, she would uphold her beliefs, join hands with her beloved, and continue to bravely forge ahead towards a destiny that could reverse fate.