ATPnovel Chapter 25: It's understandable that the beloved concubine was nervous during her first night w
Chapter 25: It's understandable that the beloved concubine was nervous during her first night w
Meanwhile, a thousand miles away in Yuxiu Palace, Jiang Qingxue was putting on her makeup in front of the mirror.
A face as pale as snow was reflected in the bronze mirror.
The palace maids drew her eyebrows, dotted her lips, styled her hair into an elaborate bun, and adorned it with gold hairpins and dangling ornaments.
The woman in the mirror was stunningly beautiful, yet her beauty lacked vitality.
Like a delicate porcelain doll, beautiful, yet fragile.
Jiang Qingxue looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes vacant.
She recalled what Xu Longxiang had said in Tingxuexuan the night before he sent her to the palace.
"Qingxue, wait for me."
"When I rule the world, I will use the entire land as my dowry to marry you as my queen."
She believed it.
So she came.
So she sits here now, waiting for another man to come and favor her.
........
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Qin Mu stood by the window, gazing at the last rays of sunset on the horizon.
Yunluan appeared silently behind him: "Your Majesty, the news has been sent out. Given the capabilities of the spies from the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion, I believe Xu Longxiang should have received the news by now."
Qin Mu didn't turn around, but simply asked, "Tell me, what kind of expression does Xu Longxiang have right now?"
Yunluan was silent for a moment: "This subordinate does not know. But I imagine... it won't look good."
Qin Mu smiled.
There was a sense of composure in his smile, as well as a hint of cold amusement.
"Yeah, it won't look good."
He turned and walked out of the hall.
The dark dragon robe fluttered slightly in the evening breeze, and the five-clawed golden dragon embroidered on it shone brightly in the afterglow of the setting sun.
"Arrange the carriage at Yuxiu Palace."
"Tonight, I will watch closely to see how long this princess of the fallen Yuehua Kingdom can keep up her act."
The voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority.
Night finally fell.
The imperial city is ablaze with lights, a dazzling spectacle of stars.
.......
Inside Yuxiu Palace, candlelight blazed brightly.
Jiang Qingxue reached out and gently touched the mirror with her fingertips.
It's cold.
Just like her heart at this moment.
The crimson palace dress she wore was hastily delivered by the Imperial Wardrobe in the evening.
The fabric was the finest Shu brocade, smooth and silky to the touch, and the skirt was embroidered with large peonies in gold thread, shimmering with a luxurious sheen in the candlelight.
The neckline was slightly low, revealing a section of her snow-white neck and delicate collarbone, while her waist was cinched tightly, outlining a slender, graceful figure.
Very beautiful.
She was as beautiful as a soulless porcelain doll.
A palace maid carefully brought over a bronze mirror so she could see if she was satisfied with her hairstyle.
Jiang Qingxue glanced at it briefly before looking away.
What's the point of being satisfied or not?
After tonight, will she still be herself?
"Your Highness, that's enough," the older palace maid gently reminded her.
Jiang Qingxue slowly stood up.
The crimson palace dress had a very long skirt, trailing three feet to the ground, which flowed out like water with her movements.
The peonies embroidered with gold thread shimmered in the candlelight, but the light stung her eyes.
This outfit is as red as a wedding dress.
But this isn't a wedding dress.
A wedding dress is worn for the one you love.
She wore this outfit to please a man she despised, and to complete a task she was unwilling to do but had to.
"His Majesty has arrived—" came the announcement from outside the palace.
The sound shattered the silence of the night, and also shattered the last glimmer of hope in Jiang Qingxue's heart.
She shuddered, her nails digging deep into her palms.
The sharp pain instantly brought her to her senses and reminded her of her mission.
Don't panic.
We must not give ourselves away.
For the sake of her brother Longxiang's great cause, she had to keep acting.
Jiang Qingxue took a deep breath, forcing herself to relax her tense body.
She took one last look at herself in the mirror, then turned and gracefully bowed towards the palace gate.
The crimson skirt spread out on the polished gold bricks, like a blooming peony.
She lowered her head, revealing the back of her fair neck, her posture extremely submissive.
"Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, respectfully welcome you."
Her voice was soft and melodious, with just the right amount of vibrato, as if she were truly a concubine who was nervous and expectant on her first night with the emperor.
Only in her lowered eyes lay the cold humiliation she desperately suppressed, and a trace of unfathomable despair.
The palace doors slowly opened.
The night breeze, carrying the cool scent of grass and trees, wafted in and stirred the candlelight in the hall, causing the light and shadows to flicker.
A figure in black stepped over the high threshold and into the hall.
The footsteps grew louder as they approached, eventually stopping three steps in front of Jiang Qingxue.
Jiang Qingxue could see the pair of black boots embroidered with cloud patterns, and smell the faint scent of ambergris on his body, mixed with a cool and unique masculine aroma.
Her heart was racing uncontrollably, and her breathing became rapid.
It wasn't attraction, it was fear.
"Rise."
The voice was gentle and clear, sounding exceptionally distinct in the silent hall.
Jiang Qingxue slowly stood up, still keeping her head down.
At this time,
A hand reached out, its fingertips slightly cool, and gently lifted her chin.
Jiang Qingxue was forced to raise her head, meeting Qin Mu's smiling eyes.
"My beloved concubine looks beautiful today."
Qin Mu spoke, his voice gentle, revealing no emotion.
Jiang Qingxue forced a gentle smile, trying to make her voice sound shy and excited: "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty."
"Nervous?" Qin Mu raised an eyebrow, his fingertips gently stroking her chin.
The sensation made Jiang Qingxue stiffen all over, but she dared not dodge.
She lowered her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, and her voice became even softer:
"There is a little... but more than that, I am excited and apprehensive. I am afraid... afraid that I am foolish and will not be able to take good care of Your Majesty."
These words were spoken with extreme deference and humility.
Qin Mu smiled.
He released his grip, turned, and walked into the hall: "No need to be alarmed. Come, talk to me."
Jiang Qingxue secretly breathed a sigh of relief and quickly followed.
Although Yuxiu Palace is located in a remote area, it is, after all, the palace of the imperial concubines, and the inner hall is decorated in an elegant and exquisite manner.
The carved rosewood canopy bed occupied most of the space, covered with brocade quilts and embroidered mattresses. The light pink curtains had been lowered by the palace maids, creating an ambiguous and romantic atmosphere.
A low couch with soft cushions was placed by the window on the east side, with a small table in the middle, on which tea and several exquisite snacks were prepared.
Qin Mu sat down on the low couch and gestured for Jiang Qingxue to sit opposite him.
The palace maids quietly served hot tea, then bowed and withdrew, gently closing the door to the inner palace.
With a creak.
The door closed.
Only the two of them remained inside the hall.
The candlelight crackled, and the water clock dripped.
The air seemed to freeze.
Jiang Qingxue sat opposite Qin Mu, her head bowed, her hands on her knees, her fingertips gripping the hem of her skirt tightly.
She could feel Qin Mu's gaze on her, like a thorn in her back.
"Besides sword dancing, does my beloved concubine know any other dances?" Qin Mu suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
Jiang Qingxue was taken aback and looked up at him.
Qin Mu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked casual, as if it were just a casual chat.
"Your Majesty, I... know a little."
Jiang Qingxue carefully considered her words, "I learned some Hu Xuan dance and Jing Hong dance when I was young, but I haven't practiced them for many years, so I'm afraid I've become rusty."
"It's alright." Qin Mu put down his teacup, leaned back on the cushion, and said lazily, "Jump for me to see."
Jiang Qingxue's heart tightened, but she dared not disobey.
She got up and retreated to a more spacious open area in the hall.
There were no musicians, no accompaniment, only the flickering candlelight and the tune she hummed softly to herself.
It was a gentle and lingering tune from Jiangnan.
Jiang Qingxue began to dance.
She was performing the Dance of the Startled Swan.
This dance emphasizes lightness of body and graceful posture, like a fleeting glimpse of a startled swan.
The wide sleeves of her crimson palace dress billowed as she twirled, spreading out like clouds.
The skirt cascaded down in layers, blooming like vibrant flowers at her feet.
Her slender waist was incredibly flexible; she arched her back, bent over, and spun around—every movement was executed with perfect precision.
But Qin Mu could see clearly that the dance had no soul.
Her eyes were empty, her smile was stiff, and all her charm was a carefully calculated performance, a deliberate disguise to please him.
Like a puppet controlled by strings, beautiful, but lifeless.
The song ended.
Jiang Qingxue was slightly out of breath, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, and a faint blush rising on her cheeks from the exertion. She gracefully bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I have made a fool of myself."
Qin Mu clapped softly.
"Slap, slap, slap."
The applause was exceptionally clear in the silent hall.
"You danced very well," he said calmly, "but..."
He paused, watching Jiang Qingxue raise her head, a hint of nervousness flashing in his eyes.
"It lacks a bit of sincerity." Qin Mu smiled. "But it doesn't matter. It's understandable that my beloved concubine is nervous on her first time serving the emperor."
Jiang Qingxue felt a chill run down her spine.
He figured it out?
No, it's impossible.
She concealed it very well; even the slightest expression was carefully designed.
It must be a test.
"Your Majesty, I am foolish and have made you laugh." She lowered her head, her voice carrying just the right amount of shame.
Qin Mu did not continue the topic.
He picked up his teacup again and asked casually, "Isn't the Northern Territory beautiful? Come to think of it, I haven't been there in the six months since I ascended the throne."
Jiang Qingxue's fingers tightened.
coming.
He did indeed begin to probe her background.