Chapter Seventy-Nine
Eunuch Liu observed Xu Heming's icy, unapproachable demeanor and felt a twinge of trepidation. Still, remembering that this was the Emperor's command, he mustered a smile and approached Xu Heming. "Prince An, it's your turn to perform."
Though reluctant, Xu Heming had given his word to the Emperor. Even if the heavens rained blades, he would see this performance through.
Yet, an aura of frost emanated from him the entire time.
The imperial concubines stared, momentarily stunned, at Xu Heming, whose robes were partially open, revealing his chest.
Was this really the same Prince An who always wore a scowl?
"Is... is that truly Prince An?" one concubine gasped, gripping another's hand in excitement.
"I... I think so?" The other concubine blushed, thinking to herself that this banquet had taken an unexpectedly thrilling turn.
First, there was the refined and scholarly Lord Wei from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.
And now, Prince An—wild and untamed.
The imperial palace housed only one man: the Emperor.
With so many women and so little attention to go around, this sudden display of sensuality left the concubines feeling as though they were dreaming. If this was a dream, they wouldn’t mind having a few more like it.
Li Zhiwei, her cheeks flushed, swallowed hard as she gazed at Xu Heming’s half-exposed chest. Was this really a performance meant for an innocent young woman like her?
"Your Majesty," the Empress began hesitantly, casting a sidelong glance at Zhu Jingchen.
She was at a loss for words.
What kind of Emperor invited his own concubines to watch a man perform like this?
Didn’t he worry they might develop wandering eyes?
Or was he so confident in his youth that he believed none would dare stray?
"Empress, do you find the performance lacking?" Zhu Jingchen asked, thoroughly engrossed. He hadn’t expected Xu Heming to be such a natural performer.
What a shame—this was likely the only time he’d ever get to see this.
Xu Heming wasn’t one to be easily fooled, especially into humiliating himself like this. Next time, Zhu Jingchen doubted he could trick him again.
"Your Majesty, you think it’s not exciting enough?" The Empress massaged her temples, watching as the concubines below stared at Xu Heming like hungry wolves. Did he even realize what he was saying?
Those were his concubines!
"If Xu Heming stripped off his top entirely, it’d be even more entertaining," Zhu Jingchen mused, resting his chin on his hand.
"Your Majesty!" The Empress shot Xu Heming another glance before quickly looking away. Not that she’d admit it, but he was certainly well-built.
Do not look, do not look!
She was the Empress—she couldn’t afford to harbor improper thoughts about any man other than the Emperor!
"Empress, relax. A performance is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest. Otherwise, when will we ever get another chance like this? I doubt I’ll ever convince Prince An to do this again." Zhu Jingchen didn’t dare blink, afraid he’d miss something he could later tease Xu Heming about.
"Your Majesty, this performance—" The Empress didn’t even know how to respond.
Watching it himself was one thing, but dragging his concubines along?
"The Empress thinks I should keep such a spectacle to myself? I merely thought the harem’s days were dull and wanted to liven things up. Besides, if I watched alone, wouldn’t that be awkward? If it were just the two of us, others might criticize you. But now that everyone’s seen it, no one can point fingers, right?"
The Empress paused, momentarily convinced by his logic. She certainly couldn’t bear to watch this "performance" alone with him.
And Xu Heming—the cold-faced prince, feared throughout the capital—was actually debasing himself like this? Such an opportunity was truly once in a lifetime.
Wait, no—the Empress shook her head. She was getting sidetracked!
Her duty was to advise the Emperor against such impropriety.
And if the concubines started developing feelings for other men, wouldn’t that just add to her burdens?
"Your Majesty, aren’t you worried that after seeing Prince An and Lord Wei’s performances, the ladies might set their sights on them?" The Empress cut straight to the point, seeing the Emperor’s indifference.
"Don’t fret. Prince An and Wei Jing’an wouldn’t spare them a glance. Besides, this is the only chance they’ll ever get to see them like this." Zhu Jingchen waved a hand dismissively.
Honestly, those concubines were so tiresome—Xu Heming would never be interested in women like them.
"Your Majesty, you’re truly—" The Empress’s lips twitched. Here she was, worrying like a palace eunuch, while the Emperor remained utterly unbothered.
Where did his confidence come from?
Or was it simply that he trusted Xu Heming that much?
Well, she’d done her part. If things went awry, the blame wouldn’t fall on her.
That said, Prince An’s physique was undeniably impressive.
Paired with his aloof demeanor, it made for quite the striking contrast.
His future wife would certainly be fortunate.
Xu Heming bristled under the lecherous gazes from all directions.
If not for the fact that these women were the Emperor’s concubines, he’d have sent them flying long ago.
What was the Emperor thinking, forcing him to perform half-naked in front of them?
"Girl, you’ve got it good," Lin Ziyi remarked between appreciative gasps, nudging Li Zhiwei.
Li Zhiwei’s expression darkened. How was she supposed to respond to that?
"Lady Wei, you’re not doing so badly yourself. Lord Wei’s performance was quite captivating too," a beautiful concubine interjected before Li Zhiwei could reply.
Li Zhiwei’s eyes widened as she turned to Lin Ziyi.
So that man from earlier was Lin Ziyi’s husband?
"Sister Lin, let’s not throw stones in glass houses," Li Zhiwei said with a knowing smirk.
If she wasn’t mistaken, hadn’t Lin Ziyi been drooling over Xu Heming earlier?
She wondered if that performer was still around—would he be upset if he saw Lin Ziyi like this?
Lin Ziyi, oblivious to Li Zhiwei’s thoughts, would’ve scoffed if she knew. Who cares? Serves him right for keeping secrets!
Making her think he had someone else, leaving her heartbroken for days—she’d even lost weight!
This was all his fault!
"Prince An, there’s more!" Eunuch Liu directed a few eunuchs to carry over a wooden log, signaling for Xu Heming to hoist it and circle the imperial garden three times.
Xu Heming eyed the log with disdain. It wasn’t overly heavy—perhaps around two hundred pounds—but lifting it was no challenge for him.
Still, he wanted to refuse.
"Who wants to see Prince An carry this log around the garden three times?" Eunuch Liu called out to the crowd, sensing Xu Heming’s hesitation.
"Prince An, my sister wants to see you lift that log!"
