98 Fulfillment

The grand procession entered through the main gate of the imperial palace. Guan Canghai descended from the city tower, accompanied by numerous concubines. Many onlookers had already formed their opinions—this tribute beauty’s future status was yet another mystery.

A group personally received by the emperor himself, accompanied by his concubines—what an honor that was.

“The envoy from Fengxiao Kingdom—Caijun pays respects to the emperor,” announced a fair-skinned man dressed in scholarly robes, his refined appearance exuding an otherworldly calm.

“Please, come into the palace,” Guan Canghai greeted him with a warm smile, leading the procession inside as if they were longtime acquaintances.

Yan’er watched the young man called Caijun with curiosity. Observing the exchange between him and Guan Canghai, she was certain they had known each other for quite some time.

Everything proceeded according to protocol, and soon the investiture ceremony began. The woman, who had yet to reveal her face, kept her veil firmly in place, sparking Yan’er’s curiosity for quite some time. She glanced at Guan Canghai, whose expression suggested he too had never seen this woman before. This Dong girl—what kind of beauty was she, that Fengxiao Kingdom would go to such lengths to boldly present her and elevate her to concubine status?

“The tribute beauty from Fengxiao Kingdom, the Dong girl, is hereby bestowed the title—Consort Changle,” the eunuch loudly proclaimed, holding up the investiture certificate.

Yan’er’s heart skipped a beat. Consort Changle?

“Long live the emperor! Long live! Long live forever!” The hall echoed with the sound of officials bowing repeatedly in gratitude.

“Caijun, you’ve kept us in suspense long enough. May I see the true face of this Dong girl?” Guan Canghai leaned back on the dragon throne, tilting his body as if the investiture of a concubine were but a trivial matter.

“Yes, we sisters are curious as well,” Consort He Meiru quickly chimed in.

“Yan, you’re probably the most impatient of all,” Wu Ling’er teased, stepping forward to mock Yan’er.

Yan’er cast a cold glance over the assembled officials and then at Guan Canghai. He avoided meeting her eyes, likely still sulking over their earlier dispute. She looked around at the women nearby; as the highest-ranking consort present, even though Consort Changle held a concubine’s title, she was still beneath Yan’er’s status. Gratitude filled her heart toward Guan Canghai for this consideration.

“That’s just baseless gossip. I am, like my sisters, a servant to the emperor. Having another sister to serve alongside us brings me joy, not jealousy,” Yan’er said as she passed Wu Ling’er. Then she turned to Guan Canghai: “I understand the emperor’s eagerness to see this beauty. Judging by her supple figure, her face must surely delight the emperor, who is clearly quite anxious. Why not let us sisters bask in the emperor’s favor as well and catch a glimpse of this beauty’s true face?”

Her words were calm and composed, her gaze serene as she looked at the kneeling woman below—the whole matter seeming detached from her.

“Thank you, Noble Consort Yan,” the Dong girl slowly kowtowed. As she rose, she lifted her veil.

Guan Canghai, who had been reclining, suddenly straightened up sharply. The entire hall drew a collective breath.

Yan’er instinctively touched her own face, as if to confirm something…

After the initial shock, all eyes turned to Yan’er. She met Guan Canghai’s gaze, silently asking: How could this be?

Indeed, at the moment the Dong girl unveiled her face, everyone was stunned—she bore a striking resemblance to Yan’er.

“So they truly are sisters. Consort Changle and I share quite a resemblance,” Yan’er composed herself and broke the awkward silence. She stepped beside the Dong girl and helped her to her feet. The woman’s icy hand surprised Yan’er.

“Caijun, is this the famed beauty your Fengxiao Kingdom prides itself on?” Guan Canghai looked at Caijun with puzzlement.

“Your Majesty is unaware. Our emperor once encountered a beauty during his travels. The emperor thought of her day and night, so the entire kingdom sought women resembling her. Fengxiao Kingdom was flourishing, and the emperor, willing to part with his beloved, thought to present this beauty as a tribute to Your Majesty as a token of sincerity.” Caijun’s heart also skipped a beat upon seeing Yan’er. He had been worried for the Dong girl’s sake when they first glimpsed her from the city tower. Though the two resembled each other, upon closer examination, Yan’er was far more enchanting, capable of captivating any man.

“My Shuang’er has grown up within the imperial city and has never left her homeland. She must be equally astonished to find someone so similar in appearance,” Guan Canghai said, glancing between Yan’er and the Dong girl.

His words were perfectly timed. Yan’er smiled gratefully at Guan Canghai—otherwise, many in court would doubt her identity and investigate her background. She nodded to him: “Your Majesty, this sister looks so much like me that I truly feel I have gained another.”

“Enough. I’m somewhat weary. Proceed according to Shuang’er’s wishes,” Guan Canghai said with a faint, inscrutable smile, granting Yan’er the dignity she deserved.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” everyone bowed in unison, expressing their gratitude.

He Meiru arranged for the Dong girl to stay at the floating pavilion near the emperor’s private chambers. Though a concubine, the Dong girl had not spoken much during the journey, but He Meiru patiently “taught” her the palace rules and the hierarchy of ranks.

“So, in the future, I must first pay respects to Noble Consort Yan at the Heavenly Fragrance Palace before beginning the day’s duties, correct?” the Dong girl’s voice was slightly hoarse.

“You’re quite clever,” He Meiru said, noticing the girl’s subtle displeasure and feeling pleased.

The Dong girl remained silent. From He Meiru’s words, she sensed the underlying reality: Yan’er was the most favored in the harem, but the emperor had not yet established an empress. There was a pregnant imperial concubine in the palace, and if she bore a son, the empress position would be settled. Yan’er’s own belly showed no sign of pregnancy.

“The servants assigned to you are waiting inside the hall now. They will be your attendants in the floating pavilion, ready to obey your orders,” He Meiru said, accompanying the Dong girl to the palace gates before stopping.

“Thank you, Consort Ru,” the Dong girl replied simply and entered her chambers without further ceremony, her foreign mannerisms setting her apart from the Central Plains people.

He Meiru sneered, “Hmph, compared to that Li Banshuang, you are indeed inexperienced.”

Tian Ruo accompanied her mistress, “Consort, you walked with Consort Changle all the way here. You should rest now; there is a night banquet later.”

He Meiru nearly forgot to inform the Dong girl about the evening event. “Send someone to notify Consort Changle about the night banquet.”

Heavenly Fragrance Palace—

“Consort, I heard Consort Changle resembles you very closely?” Bi’er, curious, leaned over the pool’s edge, gently massaging Yan’er’s body.

“Yes,” Yan’er replied lazily, closing her eyes to avoid thinking about these matters. Lately, she often felt drowsy, which worried her. Having borne children before, she suspected she might be pregnant again.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Yan’er opened her eyes alertly. “Bi’er, from now on, all meals in the Heavenly Fragrance Palace must be carefully inspected. No mistakes are allowed. You and Xiao Lan will be responsible for my daily needs. No other maids should interfere.”

Bi’er was momentarily stunned but, seeing Yan’er’s serious expression, understood the gravity. Perhaps the new Consort Changle posed a threat. Yet caution was wise. “Yes, Consort, rest assured. Bi’er will be extra vigilant.”

“Find out where the emperor is right now. Have Xiao Lan prepare my clothes,” Yan’er said swiftly, rising from the hot spring.

Carried by a sedan chair, she arrived at the imperial study. She knocked lightly on the door before entering.

“Your Majesty,” Yan’er greeted respectfully.

“Why have you come so suddenly?” Guan Canghai looked surprised.

“You will take my pulse, won’t you?” Yan’er approached the desk and glanced at the wall behind him, wondering about Pan Yueyang inside.

“Is that why you’re here? To ask about him?” Guan Canghai’s voice was harsh as he grabbed Yan’er’s wrist, glaring fiercely at the wall. “You know he’s alive. He’s right behind that wall!”

Yan’er looked at Guan Canghai in alarm, trying to pull her wrist free. What did this mean? Had he discovered her plan?

“What are you talking about? I don’t understand!” she said, unable to free herself. She turned her back to him.

“Do you really think everything can escape my surveillance?” Guan Canghai pressed a hidden mechanism. Suddenly, the wall slid open.

Yan’er anxiously peered through the opening—no one was there.

“Where did he go?” she grasped Guan Canghai’s robe.

“You still think about him?” Guan Canghai shrugged her off, though with less force than before. Yan’er staggered but did not fall.

“I don’t…” Yan’er lowered her head, sighing. “I truly don’t. At this point, do you think I still harbor illusions about him? I belong to you now.”

Guan Canghai looked at her with suspicion.

“Believe it or not, Pan Yueyang is my past. I remember the kindness he showed me. Since he is still alive, I want to save him. His pride won’t allow you to imprison him forever. As for me, I am devoted to you, unwavering and loyal,” Yan’er said quietly. She dared not think too far ahead. Regarding Pan Yueyang and her future, she had no plans—only a simple desire to rescue him out of love. As for Guan Canghai, she was unsure of her feelings, but every time he appeared, he was like a life-saving straw.

“Hmph, can I really trust anything you say?” Guan Canghai’s cold gaze pierced her. “I’ve given you chances. I know what you’ve done. Even the child taken by that scoundrel is Pan Yueyang’s. Don’t think I’m a fool who can be deceived!”

Yan’er stared at him in disbelief. He knew everything!

“Now that Oulan has given birth to a son, if you want to rescue Pan Yueyang, I will grant your wish. His martial skills have been crippled. If you want your former lover to leave here, I’ll allow it. Oulan and your old flame can live like immortals,” Guan Canghai emphasized the last words deliberately.

Tears welled in Yan’er’s eyes uncontrollably. “Very well.”