Wow, the Emperor has given Sister Yue so many gifts!

Afternoon, Autumn Courtyard, Chuxiu Palace

Within Chuxiu Palace, everyone had a tacit understanding of the situation: who would be granted the title of consort, and who had left the deepest impression. Most agreed that Hui Yue’er was undoubtedly the top candidate for the title. That afternoon, Li Wanrong sat chatting in the courtyard with several handmaidens who fawned over her. Deliberately raising her voice, Li Wanrong declared, “Some people think that winning once means they’ve won it all? How far can someone who disregards everyone else possibly go? Be careful— the higher you climb, the harder you fall!” It seemed she was describing herself more than anyone else.

Jingshu chimed in obsequiously, “Exactly! She’s nothing but Prince Jun’s nominal sister. There’s no comparison between her and you, Miss Wanrong!” Had Hui Yue’er not performed at the initial meeting, who knows how much more arrogant they would have become.

Another girl, eager to curry favor with Li Wanrong, laughed and added, “She’s just a wanderer from the streets—how could she ever be compared to you, Miss Wanrong? The emperor’s only curious about her for the moment. When it comes to the final selection for consort, it won’t be her turn!” Apparently, they weren’t afraid of provoking Hui Yue’er to the point of retaliation—a band of naïve young girls with no sense of their own limitations.

Inside the room, Hui Yue’er and Qiqi could hear every word. Qiqi, indignant, turned to Yue’er and said, “That Li girl really deserves a beating! I’ve heard the emperor, the empress dowager, even the empress herself are quite fond of you. Sister Yue, why not just become the imperial consort and infuriate her?” Qiqi, impulsive and loyal, detested Li Wanrong’s hostility toward Yue’er.

Though Hui Yue’er was certainly displeased with the jeers and mockery, she hadn’t once considered staying in the palace just for that reason. Her eyes flashed with a murderous gleam. “I’d rather go out there and give them a real thrashing!” she declared, striding out the door. Qiqi hurried after her. Yue’er wasn’t one to rely on borrowed authority; she wanted to put them in their place by her own strength, not by intimidating them with her status. People who did so only came across as pitiably weak.

When Li Wanrong and her followers saw Hui Yue’er approaching, brimming with anger, they grew apprehensive. Still, they reasoned that if Hui Yue’er wanted to become consort, she wouldn’t dare lay hands on them, emboldening their bravado. Feigning a smile, Li Wanrong called out, “So it’s the illustrious Princess Siyue, who wowed everyone at the first presentation. From the way you walk, I almost mistook you for a bandit chief!” Wasn’t she just calling Yue’er uncouth? But how could a girl who managed dozens of men not be a little rough around the edges?

Hui Yue’er sneered coldly. “Say that again if you dare.” If looks could kill, Li Wanrong would have been sent to the afterlife already. Though, with someone like her, would it be heaven or hell? That was still up for debate.

Li Wanrong’s voice trembled slightly as she responded, “You wouldn’t dare touch me, would you? Striking someone in the palace would mean exile to the Cold Palace!” Nevertheless, her eyes remained disdainful. The implication was clear: it would do Yue’er no good to lash out. Yet she couldn’t help but fear her—Yue’er was the most skilled fighter she’d ever seen. Then again, as a sheltered lady, how many martial artists had Li Wanrong really encountered?

Hui Yue’er bent down and picked up several fallen leaves, gazing at their golden hues in her palm. “Miss Li, you’re overthinking things. I have no intention of starting a fight. I only wish to give each of you a leaf, as a token of our acquaintance. What do you think? Catch!” She mimed hurling them, startling the girls out of their wits.

Crying out, they pleaded, “No, please, Princess Siyue, we beg your forgiveness!” They had all seen Hui Yue’er drive leaves into tree trunks—how could their skin compare to bark?

In truth, Hui Yue’er only meant to frighten them. She hadn’t learned martial arts to bully the weak; she’d simply lost her temper and wanted to give them a scare. Watching them nearly fall to their knees in supplication, Qiqi felt vindicated and burst out laughing. “Ladies, will you dare speak ill of our princess again?” The girls nodded hastily. Hui Yue’er exchanged a glance with Qiqi, both smiling in satisfaction. Just as they were about to return to their room, a group of eunuchs arrived, carrying many items.

At the head was Chief Eunuch Rong, who held an imperial edict. “Princess Siyue, please receive the decree!” Everyone stared at Hui Yue’er in confusion. She knelt as Eunuch Rong read aloud, “By imperial command: bestow upon Princess Siyue an agate necklace; bestow a pair of pearl earrings; bestow a two-tone silk skirt!” One by one, the junior eunuchs unveiled the treasures beneath their yellow cloths, while everyone else looked on with envy.

With an impassive expression, Hui Yue’er kowtowed and said, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s boundless favor. Long live the Emperor!” She accepted the edict from Eunuch Rong’s hands. She had no desire for these gifts; were she a vain, materialistic girl, she’d have leapt for joy. Sadly, she was not. Now, she only felt these gifts were unnecessary.

Eunuch Rong beamed at her. “Princess Siyue, such good fortune! After the Empress, you are the first lady to receive the Emperor’s personal gifts!” As if it were some great honor. Hui Yue’er merely smiled faintly as they took their leave.

Back in their room, Qiqi eagerly examined the gifts. The pearl earrings were pure and lustrous, gleaming brightly. The skirt was smooth as silk, soft to the touch, and of the latest design. In fact, the skirt had a special property: by day it was sky blue, but by night it turned a luminous water-red, glowing like a night pearl—hence the name, Two-Tone Silk Skirt. Qiqi exclaimed in amazement, “Wow, Sister Yue, the Emperor actually sent you so many gifts!” As a child, she was easily moved. Yet for Hui Yue’er, whose heart already belonged to someone else, the Emperor’s lavish attention was more a burden than a blessing.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those in between—hurry and shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and presents. Don’t hold back; let the storm rage even fiercer!