ror's gaze upon her. Their expressions held a mix of curiosity and expectation, causing a shiver to ru

," the empress said with a w

itantly took a sip, immediately enveloped by the fragrant

to cough abruptly, almost spilling the tea. "Fertility

Once the marriage is consummated, you will soon find yours

replied awkwardly, her heart sinking at

see the strong resemblance she bore to her mother, Longlü. The mere thought of it sent a shiver down

" he inquired, his voice

ued, chimed in, "Is there s

ng here, I would like to explore the city," Lu Hu

especially for someone of your status!" the emp

her chambers after the emperor's firm refusal. There, her

n is valid, but why didn't he simply instruct the guards to

Bandits are always a threat, Lady Lu Hua, bu

The trio was dressed in simple yet stylish attire, striking a delicate balance be

my lady," Fuquan replied, his vo

s could be severe," Lu Hua pointed

f have not yet seen your face; what do we

unded with excitement as they approached a small, concealed gate often used by servants. The moon shone brightly overhead, casting a silve

d through the gate, "if anyone inquires, we are si

side the palace walls was a lively world she had only imagined - bustling markets, lively tave

g a warm glow over the cobblestone paths. Merchants called out, tempting passersby with delicious pastries and intricate tr

d. They found a table at the back, where they could enjoy the bustling atmosphere without attracting too much attenti

ast to the heavy expectations of the empress and emperor, not to mention the strange encounter with

Hua. "Isn't that Rong Xianzong?" she e

an in question, her analyt

Rong X

18

ht:

ht:

Status: Lu Hu

choking her as Fuquan hurriedly slapped her

or that you were ugly," Beihe clarified, her tone laced with intrigue. "

the room until her eyes locked onto Xianzong. Without hesita

ed, a hint of war

een months!" the girl, Daiyu, enthus

quan exchanged bewildered glances. "My lady, aren't you jealo

les nonchalantly. "Jealous of wha

hird cousins!" Fuquan co

difference palpable. "He can go date

father is already deceased," Beihe a

' sake! It's not like I'm in love with h

right," Be

esturing dramatically between herself and Rong Xianzong. "I

Lu Hua, but I must agree with you n

ulder with an air of confidence. "Yes! He's a jerk, anyw

widened with realization. "Oh! What if...?" She lowered her voic

d be incest!" Lu Hua repl

sins! It's not a proble

Lu Hua

g his cheek!" Beihe exclaimed

an hissed, clamping a

girl was indeed playfully poking Rong Xianzong's cheek,

Lin

16

ht:

ht:

n

Xianzong. Due to her family's financial woes brought on by her brothers and parents' excesses

rned to look a

Xia

n

tunately, the business is slowly dying due to his father's addiction to gambling and buying expensi

th families teetering on the brink of financial ruin while entangled in t