Since Prince Jun is here as well, let's go and take a look together.

Morning, Imperial Palace, Hall of Heavenly Harmony.

Naturally, upon entering the palace, Zhao Chengxian had to pay a visit to Xuanyuan Ren; otherwise, it would be improper. He waited for Xuanyuan Ren, who was attending court, in a side chamber of the Hall of Heavenly Harmony. Zhao Chengxian was still searching for an excuse to justify his presence in the palace, for he could hardly tell Xuanyuan Ren he had come to deliver Hui Yue’er. Seated on the emperor’s couch, where Xuanyuan Ren rested, Zhao Chengxian read a book—truly deserving of Yue’er’s praise as a bookworm.

Xuanyuan Ren entered, accompanied by Eunuch Rong. Zhao Chengxian rose and bowed, “Greetings, Your Majesty!” As a prince, he was not required to kneel: standing, he clasped his hands in salute and bent his waist.

“Rise,” said Xuanyuan Ren, settling into the seat beside him. “What brings you to the palace so early?”

Zhao Chengxian had not yet devised a suitable pretext, for he did not wish to deceive Xuanyuan Ren. Xuanyuan Ren was not just the emperor to him, but his younger brother, companion since childhood. Zhao Chengxian never imagined they would both be drawn to the same woman. Yet, as Hui Yue’er herself said, many women had stirred Xuanyuan Ren’s heart, but in twenty-five years, this was the first for Zhao Chengxian—he would not give up.

He glanced at Xuanyuan Ren and replied, “I came to check on Little Moon. She entered the palace from my residence; it stands to reason I should look after her a bit more.”

He could hardly confess outright that he liked Hui Yue’er. After all, Xuanyuan Ren was not only his dear brother, but also the sovereign holding the power of life and death. Even in the presence of the emperor, friendship and brotherhood could not inspire absolute candor—how bitter the fate of a ruler.

Xuanyuan Ren smiled faintly, “Are you concerned Yue’er will lack for anything here? Who in the palace doesn’t know Hui Yue’er is my intended consort? Who would dare mistreat her?” He was always a commanding man, drawn to Hui Yue’er’s competence and free spirit. Yet, after prolonged palace life, could that carefree charm endure? He yearned to keep his beloved close, forgetting to ask for her opinion—an occupational hazard of emperors, accustomed to unquestioned command, to having whatever they desire, and to making decisions without seeking others’ views.

Zhao Chengxian shook his head, “Don’t you know what she truly wants?” Both understood Hui Yue’er sought neither riches nor power, but the freedom to breathe, a life unbound.

Xuanyuan Ren was left speechless. Hui Yue’er had told him plainly that the palace was a cage, a place she did not wish to enter, yet he had stubbornly drawn her into this gilded prison. He believed he could make her happier than she ever was outside, but neglected to consider whether she could be happy without freedom.

As Xuanyuan Ren fell silent, Du Haiju arrived. She curtsied deeply, “Greetings, Your Majesty!” Zhao Chengxian rose to pay his respects. Du Haiju nodded to him, then smiled at Xuanyuan Ren, “Your Majesty, today is the first presentation of the court ladies. Please arrange a time to visit the Palace of Elegant Selection.”

The first presentation was an occasion for the Empress Dowager, Emperor, Empress, and all the palace concubines to meet the court ladies; it was not for immediate conferral of titles, but rather for the ladies to make a lasting impression.

Xuanyuan Ren nodded, “Very well, let us go now.” He wondered what expression Hui Yue’er would wear upon learning his true identity, believing she was still unaware—unbeknownst to him, Zhao Chengxian had already told her.

Fearing Hui Yue’er had not yet returned to the Palace of Elegant Selection, Zhao Chengxian quickly interjected, “It’s a bit too early—the ladies are still having breakfast. If Your Majesty goes now, you might frighten them!” If it were discovered that Yue’er was missing, it would not bode well.

Empress Du Haiju smiled at Zhao Chengxian, “Prince, you may not know, but the third day after entering the palace is always the first presentation. Every lady is aware of this and prepares herself for the occasion. Since you are here this year, why not join us?” Not every court lady was aware, as Hui Yue’er herself did not know.

Zhao Chengxian thought it best to go as well; if Hui Yue’er had not returned, he could help smooth things over. With a playful smile, he said, “Certainly, I’d like to see which ladies might become the future consort.”

Thus, Zhao Chengxian, Xuanyuan Ren, and their party left the Hall of Heavenly Harmony. Zhao Chengxian worried inwardly, “Little Moon, you must return!”

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those in between—bring forth your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts, and shower them upon me! Hold nothing back; let the storm rage ever fiercer!