Chapter 2: Rumors in the Palace

Morning sunlight spilled through the carved lattice windows, painting golden patterns across the bedchamber.

When Su Qingyuan slowly opened her eyes, the space beside her was already empty.

She reached out instinctively.

The pillow was still warm.

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

"He must have left not long ago…"

The familiar scent of sandalwood lingered in the room, as if he had only just walked away.

The door opened softly.

Qingdai entered carrying a basin of warm water: "My Lady, you're awake."

Qingyuan stretched lazily before sitting up.

"Did he eat before leaving?"

Qingdai nodded: "Majesty did. He also reminded the kitchen three times to make your favorite lotus porridge."

Su Qingyuan sighed helplessly. "He worries too much."

Qingdai smiled. "His Majesty said if Your Ladyship starts reading before breakfast again, we're to take the books away."

Qingyuan blinked: "He wouldn't."

"He absolutely would."

"…Traitor."

The two women laughed together.

---

Meanwhile—

The morning court had just ended.

Officials followed behind Emperor Xiao Heng as he left the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

An elderly minister stepped forward.

"Your Majesty."

Xiao Heng did not stop walking:"What is it?"

"The Inner Palace has remained… rather unusual these past three years."

Another minister bowed.

"The jade selection tablets were established by the Imperial Ancestors. Yet since Your Majesty ascended the throne…not a single tablet has ever been turned."

"The ministers fear such excessive favor may disturb harmony within the harem."

A third official added,"Lady Su is, after all, Her Majesty the Empress's younger sister."

"It is understandable that Your Majesty wishes to honor the Empress."

"…But Your Majesty should not neglect the rest of the Inner Palace."

Only then did Xiao Heng stop. He slowly turned around.

Silence swept through the corridor. His dark eyes rested calmly upon the officials.

"You misunderstand."

Everyone immediately lowered their heads.

The eldest minister carefully asked, "What does Your Majesty mean?"

Xiao Heng's expression remained unreadable.

"The Su family has never been the reason."

Before anyone could ask another question, he continued.

"My harem is not governed by ministers. You govern the empire, enough!"

"If there is nothing else…do not waste my time with matters that do not concern you. Next time, I'll send more memorials your way."

He turned and left.

The officials stood frozen.

No one understood what he meant.

…..

Before noon…the entire palace had already heard the story.

"The ministers advised His Majesty again."

"They mentioned the jade selection tablets."

"They even suggested selecting new consorts."

Inside Zhaohua Palace, laughter filled the hall.

"I told you."

"Su Qingyuan is only favored because she's the Empress's younger sister."

Another consort nodded: "His Majesty has always respected Her Majesty."

"Naturally, he'll show her sister some kindness."

A noble lady smiled coldly.

"Family favor never lasts forever. And beauty fades even faster."

Another added,"She's still only a low-ranking lady. If His Majesty truly intended to honor her…she wouldn't still be without a higher title."

The women all laughed.

None of them noticed the young palace maid quietly standing outside the hall.

Her face paled.

She hurried toward ChengQian Palace as fast as she could.

…

At that very moment—

Su Qingyuan sat beneath a flowering crabapple tree, quietly reading.

The breeze carried drifting pink blossoms across the pages.

The maid knelt anxiously.

"My Lady…"She repeated every word she had heard.

When she finished, she waited nervously.

Su Qingyuan calmly turned another page: "Is that all?"

The maid stared.

"My Lady… aren't you worried?"

"Worried about what?"

"The ministers…The other consorts…They all say His Majesty's favor won't last."

Only then did Su Qingyuan close her book.

She looked toward the palace gate. A gentle smile touched her lips: "They've been saying that for three years."

"And… They said His Majesty only favors you because you're Her Majesty's sister."

"Did they?"She brushed a fallen blossom from her sleeve.

"And yet…he still comes here every night."

The maid couldn't understand. She couldn't understand where such certainty came from.

Everyone in the palace believed Su Qingyuan borrowed her sister's glory.

Everyone in the palace believed Su Qingyuan relied on the Emperor's favor.

Only she knew the truth.

She had never relied on the Emperor's favor. She relied on Xiao Heng — trusted the boy who had loved her long before he wore a crown.

…

Night fell.

Inside the Imperial Study, Li Dequan respectfully presented the jade selection tablets once again.

"Your Majesty… the selection tablets."

Without looking up from the memorial in his hand, Xiao Heng replied, "Take them away."

Li Dequan hesitated.

"The ministers are still discussing today's matter…"

Only then did Xiao Heng lift his eyes.

His voice was calm: "I made my choice years ago."

His gaze fell briefly upon the untouched jade tablets.

"They are for men who are still deciding."

A long silence followed.

Then he spoke again.

"I'm not."

Li Dequan's heart skipped a beat.

Outside the study…the entire palace still waited for the Emperor to choose.

None of them knew…

he had stopped choosing long before he ever became Emperor.