049 The Emperor's Decree

The dance had ended.

Yun Xueyan stood with a slight breathlessness, her head lowered, “I have made a humble display.”

“Excellent! I had not expected that the Southern Yu Mansion would house such a refined beauty.” At this moment, Duan Siyi finally understood why Feng Xi Lou so highly regarded this woman before him.

“Your Majesty flatters me. It is Lady Wan Ying’s skill at the zither that deserves praise,” Yun Xueyan replied modestly, wishing to decline the honor. Such accolades meant little to her; they were irrelevant.

“You mustn’t say that. Both you and Wan Ying shall receive rewards from me,” Duan Siyi’s gaze sparkled as he glanced at Duan Nanyu, who sat alone, drinking, paying no attention. He then looked at Feng Xi Lou, whose face bore a serene smile, betraying no emotion.

“It is not necessary…” Yun Xueyan replied anxiously.

But Mu Wan Ying abruptly interrupted, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your gracious reward.” She rose and moved to Yun Xueyan’s side, her smile gentle but filled with meanings Yun Xueyan could not decipher. Since they were beyond her understanding, she did not dwell on them, only following suit and expressing gratitude.

“Since you are both still consorts of the Xiao Prince’s manor, I shall grant you titles: Lady Yan and Lady Ying.”

“Your Majesty!” Duan Nanyu suddenly stood, his cold gaze sweeping the room before he spoke. “That cannot be allowed!”

“Nan Yu, my word is law. There is no need for further argument.” Duan Siyi’s expression was cheerful, unperturbed by Duan Nanyu’s icy tone; he was long accustomed to his temperament.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Yun Xueyan and Mu Wan Ying accepted the honor and returned to their seats.

Throughout, Yun Xueyan’s heart was restless, unable to find peace. She kept her gaze lowered, not daring to look at Duan Nanyu, knowing he was surely scowling, displeased that she and Mu Wan Ying had been elevated to the rank of concubine.

He would believe, as always, that she sought attention, striving to climb higher… to become a phoenix.

He would never understand that it was an unintended mistake, that his heart and eyes were filled only with Yun Xiyin, never able to make space for her. Yet, no matter the disdain or ridicule, what did it matter? She must depend on him to survive.

No sooner had she sat down than a voice, laced with venom, reached her ears. “Are you happy now? Even if the emperor bestows a title upon you, your status will never change. You are nothing more than a plaything beneath me!”

She ignored the biting words, lifted her hand, took a cup of wine from the table, and drank it in one gulp, closing her eyes. The bitter taste of the wine mingled with the sourness in her heart, spreading through her limbs until even her fingertips ached with sorrow.

“Rui’er, are you alright?” Mu Wan Ying’s voice was soft, yet those nearby heard and turned their heads to look.

“I’m fine, just suddenly feeling a bit unwell. Perhaps I’m tired. Please don’t let me spoil the mood,” Duan Rui’er quickly waved her hand to reassure everyone.

In that moment, Yun Xueyan caught a fleeting, complex expression in Duan Nanyu’s eyes. She paused in surprise, then smiled bitterly—surely a trick of her imagination.

“You don’t look well at all,” Mu Wan Ying said, rising to her feet. “Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Empress, Rui’er seems unwell, perhaps overly tired. I wish to escort her back to the prince’s manor.”

“Very well,” Duan Siyi nodded lightly. “I will have the guards escort you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” She then turned to Duan Nanyu. “My lord, I shall take Rui’er back now.” She bowed slightly and waited for his response.

“Take care on the road,” Duan Nanyu replied, then resumed drinking, as cold and indifferent as ever.

At that moment, Yun Xueyan was certain she had been mistaken. He, apart from Yun Xiyin, would never show any emotion for another woman.

The banquet continued, finally dispersing about an hour later.

“Xi Lou, come to my palace. I have something to discuss with you,” Feng Chengyun said softly.

“Yes,” Feng Xi Lou replied, casting a glance at Yun Xueyan before following the Empress Dowager away.

“Stop staring! Let’s go!” Duan Nanyu barked at Yun Xueyan, who had momentarily lost herself in thought. He wrapped his arm around Yun Xiyin and strode ahead. Yun Xueyan followed behind, quietly resigned.