Chapter 103: All the More Reason to Applaud

It wasn’t that Yuan Rou lacked insight; it was simply that this garment was far too precious, having been carefully preserved within the Purple Lotus Palace. Had it not been for Qiao Qingyun’s discovery, it might have remained hidden from the world indefinitely.

“This…” Qiao Qingyun was momentarily at a loss for words and hurriedly changed the subject. “How did you get into the palace? And… who is this?”

Following Yuan Rou’s gaze, Qiao Qingyun noticed a young man standing behind her. His handsome features bore a refined elegance rather than ruggedness, and though he appeared ordinary at first glance, there was an undeniable aura about him that set him apart.

“Uh… he is my husband,” Yuan Rou replied.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Qingyun suddenly recalled that Yuan Rou was already married and must have been accompanied by her husband whenever she entered the palace; it would be unlikely for her to bring a stranger along.

“Oh? Then this must be Master Xu. Hello,” Qiao Qingyun greeted politely. However, Xu Lu, the son of a minister, was keen-eyed and smiled warmly, cupping his hands toward Qiao Qingyun. “Princess.”

“Ah?” The title ‘Princess’ caught Yuan Rou off guard. She stared at Qiao Qingyun in disbelief, scrutinizing her carefully. “That can’t be right. Are you sure you’ve got the wrong person?”

“Not at all. This very outfit once belonged to Princess Qingyun; my father mentioned her often,” Qiao Qingyun explained.

Princess Qingyun had once been renowned for her beauty. Now, seeing Qiao Qingyun dressed in her garments, the resemblance was striking—so much so that only those closest to them could tell them apart.

“That’s right. I am the daughter of Princess Qingyun, and my current title remains Princess Qingyun.”

“What?” Yuan Rou was stunned by these revelations, bewildered by the sudden transformation of Qiao Qingyun’s status. She had known that the Empress had killed General Qiao, but she never imagined Qiao Qingyun’s identity had been concealed so deeply.

“Sister-in-law…”

“Yuan Rou… I… have been repudiated by your royal brother.”

“What!”

Yuan Rou’s eyes widened in shock. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t heard a word of this before. Even if outsiders deliberately withheld news, how could no one have informed her until now?

“But… I never received any message!”

As she spoke, Yuan Rou reached out and grabbed Qiao Qingyun’s hand. She could see clearly that Qiao Qingyun had feelings for Yuan Zaichun; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so involved in handling his affairs. Bu Shenglian had once tried to grow close to her to gain favor with Yuan Zaichun but was rejected by Yuan Rou. Only Qiao Qingyun seemed to hold his interest.

“Enough. It’s all in the past now. Making a fuss and letting everyone know—how could that be a good thing?”

Qiao Qingyun appeared indifferent, but Yuan Rou was unsettled, feeling much like one who loves but cannot have.

“Sister, there’s a banquet today. Who knows? We might even run into Bu Shenglian. Come on, I’ll help you vent your frustrations!”

Yuan Rou grabbed Qiao Qingyun’s hand and pulled her away in front of Zhong Shi and the others. It took some time before the others realized and hurried after them.

Qiao Qingyun had known about the banquet but didn’t want to attend due to her lingering illness. Her wounds hadn’t healed yet; how could she face off against the Empress in a battle of wits?

Yet, the moment Qiao Qingyun entered the banquet hall, all eyes fixed upon her, the very sound of breathing seemingly silenced.

“Pay respects to the Emperor’s maternal uncle.”

“Pay respects to the Father Emperor.”

A princess and a princess dowager knelt obediently on the floor, both beloved by the Emperor—a true showcase of beauty and grace.

“Rise.”

“Thank you, Uncle. Thank you, Father Emperor.”

The Empress was not present that day. Qiao Qingyun’s casual glance revealed the empty phoenix throne above—perhaps the Emperor had already uncovered the truth of who sought to kill her.

“Today, I have summoned my beloved ministers and the noble daughters of prominent families, firstly to select brides for my princes, and secondly to celebrate the discovery of my sister Princess Qingyun’s daughter, Princess Qingyun!”

“Heaven has shown mercy; this child has been right under my nose all along.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Qingyun rose gracefully, taking her wine cup to toast the assembly.

“Congratulations to His Majesty and to Princess Qingyun!”

Bu Shenglian was stunned. She had thought finding a princess was no big deal but hadn’t expected such honor to be bestowed.

“Very well, let the banquet commence. Young ladies yet to be married, please draw lots and perform for us.”

“Yes.”

The ministers rose and bowed to the Emperor. Soon, two maidservants began passing along slips of paper from either side.

Fortunately, Qiao Qingyun and Yuan Rou sat together, and she thought she would be spared. Yet when the slips were handed over, Qiao Qingyun hesitated.

“Sister, you just returned—must you draw a lot? Step down.”

Yuan Rou caught sight of this and coldly rebuked her, frightening the servants into silence. None dared protest; they turned and left without looking back.

Qiao Qingyun exhaled in relief and gratefully glanced at Yuan Rou. “Thank you.”

“Sister, don’t mention it. If there’s anything you don’t want to do, never feel obliged to comply.”

This was Yuan Rou’s survival principle: better to wrong the world than to be wronged by it.

Yet this left Qiao Qingyun feeling conflicted. She merely smiled faintly, said no more, and sipped her tea, reclining quietly in her chair.

Zhong Shi and Qing Luo Hongying hurried over quickly, joining Qiao Qingyun’s side. They watched the ongoing drawing of lots and were momentarily puzzled.

“Miss, what are they doing?”

Qing Luo, ever curious, asked, and Qiao Qingyun chuckled softly. “Naturally, it’s to display their talents before the princes, and afterward, to be selected as brides.”

“Yes.”

Although the banquet didn’t disgust her, the notion of selecting brides still unsettled Qing Luo.

Coincidentally, Bu Shenglian drew the first lot, the peony, and shyly glanced at Yuan Zaichun before rising to bow to the Emperor.

Yet the Emperor had long grown weary of Bu Shenglian. The dignity of the royal family must not be compromised—especially when it involved the husband of their princess, his own son.

Though Bu Shenglian was nothing more than a pretty but useless flower vase, her dance was graceful and alluring.

Alas, when the dance ended, no one dared applaud. Qiao Qingyun looked puzzled and glanced at Yuan Rou, who, to her surprise, wore a sinister smile.

“What’s this about?”

“Sister, don’t mind her. She deserves the cold shoulder; she’s already been married and returned—what more does she want?”

Yuan Rou said coldly.

Qiao Qingyun laughed. “Then she deserves applause all the more.”

With that, Qiao Qingyun was the first to begin clapping.