In less than half an hour, Yun Wan returned to her seat. By then, the palace banquet was already halfway through, and the atmosphere was lively.
Suddenly, the orchestral music ceased, replaced by the vigorous beats of drums. In an instant, dancers at the center of the hall began gliding across the floor with graceful, ethereal movements.
Among them, the lead dancer, surrounded by the others, moved with the most agility. Her waist swayed to the rhythm of the drums, her vibrant dress clinging to her figure. A sheer veil covered most of her face, leaving only a pair of alluring, captivating eyes exposed.
At the banquet, many men found their hearts itching with desire, their gazes fixed unwaveringly on the scene.
Unfortunately, the lead dancer had her eyes locked on the emperor seated at the head of the hall from start to finish—her intentions blatantly obvious.
Witnessing this, many in attendance cursed under their breaths, calling her a "seductress."
Consort Shu’s face darkened like the bottom of a pot as she glared at the dancer.
Where did this wretch come from? How dare she ruin my plans?
Could it be Imperial Concubine Li’s doing?
She instinctively glanced toward Imperial Concubine Li, but the other woman’s expression was cold and unreadable.
Imperial Concubine Li remained silent, but Consort Xian, seated beside her, spoke up curiously, "Your Majesty, this dance is quite extraordinary—exquisite and novel. May I ask what it is called?"
As the dance concluded, the bewitching lead dancer stepped forward with light steps and replied in a sweet, melodious voice, "Your Highness, this dance originates from the Western Regions and is called the Whirling Branches Dance."
Imperial Concubine Li remarked leisurely, "The Whirling Branches Dance? This is the first time I’ve heard of it. They say dances from the Western Regions are bold and ever-changing, and today’s performance certainly lives up to that reputation."
She then turned to the emperor and asked with a smile, "What does Your Majesty think?"
At this question, everyone pricked up their ears, curious about Emperor Jingxuan’s opinion of the seductive dance and its performer.
The dancer’s heart pounded like thunder—her chance to rise to glory was within reach.
Suppressing her excitement, she gazed at him with shimmering eyes.
Emperor Jingxuan lifted his eyelids slightly and swept a glance over the crowd below before uttering two indifferent words:
"Mediocre."
The moment the words left his lips, the hall fell into silence. Many watched the dancer with malicious glee.
The dancer’s heart swelled with grievance. Her enchanting eyes, now brimming with unshed tears, lingered on Emperor Jingxuan as if pleading.
She deliberately let her veil slip, revealing a delicate, beautiful face. With a voice full of melancholy, she murmured, "This lowly one dares to ask—where did I falter in my dance? Please enlighten me, Your Majesty, so I may improve..."
Her soft, honeyed voice sent shivers down many spines, stirring pity in their hearts.
Even Yun Wan, rubbing her slightly tingling ears, couldn’t help but glance at the dancer.
"Are you questioning me?"
The emperor’s icy voice dripped with displeasure, his expression unreadable.
The dancer froze—this was nothing like what she had envisioned.
Under Emperor Jingxuan’s frigid gaze, her legs trembled, fear flashing across her face as she stammered, "This lowly one wouldn’t dare!"
Emperor Jingxuan: "You lack discipline. Take her away."
In an instant, the dancer’s fate was sealed.
The crowd felt as if they had been doused with cold water—especially those who had begun to think the emperor lacked appreciation for beauty. They quickly fell silent.
They had nearly forgotten—Emperor Jingxuan had no interest in women, let alone showing them mercy.
Regardless of the thoughts swirling around him, the emperor coldly commanded, "Continue."
Moments later, the music resumed, and the banquet regained its lively atmosphere.
Consort Shu couldn’t hide her satisfaction at the dancer’s ruthless punishment, feeling a surge of vindication.
She sneered, "A shameless seductress who overstepped her bounds—serves her right!"
Turning to Yun Wan, she asked, "What do you think, sister-in-law?"
Yun Wan refrained from commenting on the dancer’s actions, only saying, "His Majesty is wise and decisive."
In truth, she was still unsettled by Emperor Jingxuan’s merciless demeanor.
Consort Shu found her response dull.
Just then, a palace attendant approached to refill their wine. Catching the fragrance, Consort Shu brightened. "Is this osmanthus wine?"
The attendant nodded, holding the flask. "Yes, Your Highness. This batch was brewed last Mid-Autumn Festival and opened this year."
Consort Shu had her cup filled. Yun Wan glanced at the clear, golden-hued liquid, its delicate osmanthus aroma wafting through the air.
Consort Shu turned to her. "Have you ever tried osmanthus wine, sister-in-law?"
Yun Wan shook her head.
"Since you haven’t, you must taste it now."
Consort Shu gestured to the attendant. "Pour her a cup."
Yun Wan frowned. "Your Highness is too kind, but I’ve never been able to hold my liquor. I fear I might disgrace myself and trouble you."
She spoke truthfully—Yun Wan had a low tolerance for alcohol and generally avoided it.
Consort Shu waved her off. "No matter. This wine is mild, smooth, and sweet—it won’t intoxicate you. You needn’t worry."
"Besides, it’s Mid-Autumn Festival—how can you skip osmanthus wine?"
Beside her, Concubine Hui, who had already downed half a flask of wine during the banquet, scoffed. "Consort Shu is right. Why hesitate over a single cup, Madam Lu?"
With that, she drained her glass in one gulp.
Seeing her boldness, Yun Wan lifted her cup, sniffed it lightly, and took a small sip.
Consort Shu smirked. "Well?"
Yun Wan: "The flavor is indeed pleasant—almost like fruit wine."
Consort Shu: "See? I didn’t lie. Have another."
By the third cup, Yun Wan’s cheeks were flushed, though fortunately, the wine only colored her face without clouding her mind.
After that, she firmly refused any more, and Consort Hui’s group didn’t press further, turning their attention back to their own drinks.
Left to herself, Yun Wan sat quietly, resting her chin in her hands as her gaze grew unfocused on the dancers in the hall.
Her face burned like hot iron, and her eyelids felt unbearably heavy. She stifled a yawn behind her hand, boredom creeping in.
Fuling leaned in. "Madam, your face is so red—are you drunk?"
Yun Wan shook her head. "No, just overheated and stifled."
And terribly sleepy.
Fuling whispered, "The banquet has another hour to go. Should we leave early?"
Yun Wan glanced around and disagreed. "Too conspicuous. See if there’s any sobering medicine—if not, never mind."
Fuling nodded and hurried off.
Half an hour passed, but Fuling still hadn’t returned—perhaps delayed along the way.
Yun Wan wanted to ask someone, but drowsiness weighed her down, making speech difficult.
Noticing her flushed face, Consort Shu turned in surprise. "Sister-in-law, are you unwell?"
Yun Wan smiled weakly. "My apologies, Your Highness. I’m afraid I’ve embarrassed myself."
Consort Shu immediately looked guilty. "I didn’t realize your tolerance was so poor. This is my fault."
"Changchun Palace is quite a distance from here. I’ll arrange a palanquin to take you back."
"Chun Tang, help Madam Lu to the palanquin..."
Her voice droned on, making Yun Wan’s head throb. In her daze, she was assisted into the palanquin, the gentle swaying lulling her further into lethargy.
Half-asleep, she felt palace maids guiding her into a room and onto a bed.
The softness beneath her and the soothing scent of the bedding finally pulled Yun Wan into deep slumber.
