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A Few Days Later
Lu Hua was relaxing in her chambers, turning the pages of an old book of poetry. Suddenly, the doors opened wide, and Empress Hui Su entered with a burst of energy. Her face shone with excitement, and behind her came a line of servants carrying beautifully decorated boxes, shining silks, and delicate jewel cases.
"Lu Hua, my dear!" the Empress said joyfully, joining her hands together. "Just look at what I've brought for you!"
Lu Hua barely had time to set down her book before the servants began to reveal a stunning wedding robe. The deep crimson silk was embroidered with golden phoenixes and peonies, and its sleeves flowed like liquid fire. Jeweled hairpins, jade pendants, and pearl-studded combs sparkled in the sunlight that poured in through the windows.
"Your wedding is in one week!" the Empress announced, her voice full of excitement. "Oh, I simply cannot wait!"
Lu Hua's mouth felt dry. One week?!
The Empress did not seem to notice Lu Hua's shock. She picked up a delicate gold bracelet and admired it closely. "My third son is... well, a bit reserved," she confessed, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "But don't worry! He's a good boy—just quiet. A little serious, maybe even too serious." She sighed softly but then brightened again. "But you are clever and kind! I'm sure you will win him over in no time!"
Lu Hua forced a smile, but her mind was racing. Reserved? Serious? That could mean anything from a "shy scholar" to an "emotionally frozen statue."
The Empress gently patted her cheek, offering comfort. "Everything will be perfect," she assured her. Then, with a final excited clap of her hands, she instructed the servants to begin fitting Lu Hua for the beautiful robes.
As the maids swarmed around her, draping colorful fabrics and holding up shining jewels to her face, Lu Hua caught Beihe's eye across the room. Her handmaid gave her a sympathetic look.
Nearby, Fuquan stood with a tray full of hair ornaments. He looked at her and mouthed, "Good luck."
(A few hours later)
The small wooden pagoda nestled in the mansion's backyard was Lu Hua's favorite place to retreat. Surrounded by swaying bamboo and the gentle sound of a nearby stream, it was the perfect escape from the heavy formalities of palace life. Today, she lounged on a soft, cushioned bench, idly plucking petals from a lotus flower. Across from her, Beihe and Fuquan sat together, deep in lively gossip.
"They say the Sixth Prince barely speaks a word to anyone," Beihe whispered, leaning closer as if sharing a secret. "Even his own servants only hear him give orders in one-syllable words."
Fuquan fanned himself dramatically, his eyes wide with surprise. "And he never leaves his palace unless he has to. Some say he spends all his time reading scrolls or just staring at walls, like a brooding poet."
Lu Hua chuckled, flicking a petal into the breeze. "Sounds peaceful to me. At least I won't have to deal with a husband who stumbles home smelling of perfume and bad choices."
Beihe pouted, her brow furrowing. "But what if he's too boring? What if he's like a block of wood?"
"Better a block of wood than a manwhore," Lu Hua replied dryly. "At least wood doesn't disappear to brothels on wedding nights."
Fuquan sighed dreamily, his eyes shining with imagination. "But just think—a marriage with no arguments, no demands... just peaceful silence." He paused, and then gasped suddenly. "Unless he's a secret tyrant! What if he's the type to lock you in a tower for breathing too loudly?"
Beihe clapped her hands in excitement. "Oh! What if he's actually shy? Maybe he's just waiting for a kind-hearted beauty to coax him out of his shell!"
Fuquan snorted playfully. "Or maybe he's a ghost who forgot he's dead, and that's why no one sees him."
Lu Hua burst out laughing, her joyful sound echoing through the pagoda. "As long as he's not like the Second Prince, I'll take a ghost, a tyrant, or even a rock for a husband."
The three of them dissolved into laughter, and the tension of the upcoming wedding melted away.
The next morning, Lu Hua found herself walking briskly down the palace corridors, Beihe following just a step behind her. The Emperor had summoned her to the throne room, and she couldn't help but wonder, 'What does he want now?' She smoothed the folds of her emerald-green hanfu, trying to calm her nerves.
Just as they rounded a corner, a familiar figure came into view. He was tall, poised, and dressed in deep indigo robes. It was him—the man she had bumped into on her first day in this world. He was the same one who had watched her with that unsettling smile in the moonlit hallway.
Beihe immediately dropped into a low curtsy beside her. "Your Highness," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lu Hua's eyes widened in surprise. Your Highness?!
The prince paused, his gaze locking onto Lu Hua with quiet amusement. "We meet again," he said, his voice smooth as silk.
Beihe nudged her discreetly and whispered, "My lady, this is the Third Prince, Xuan Jingyan—the twin brother of the Second Prince."
Twin brother?! Lu Hua's mind reeled. The Second Prince was a debauched fool, but this man… He carried himself with a quiet intensity, and his sharp eyes revealed none of his brother's reckless nature.
Forcing herself to bow properly, Lu Hua schooled her expression into neutrality. "Your Highness," she said softly.
The Third Prince's sharp eyes flickered between Lu Hua and her maid. His polite smile froze as he took in her fine silk robes and the way Beihe hovered protectively beside her.
"How curious," he mused, tilting his head slightly. "When we first met, I thought you were one of the palace maids. Yet here you are, dressed like nobility with your own attendant." His gaze turned calculating. "Where are you headed in such a hurry?"
Lu Hua felt Beihe tense beside her. "His Majesty summoned me to the throne room," she answered carefully.
The prince's fingers, which had been idly playing with a jade pendant at his waist, stilled. A slow realization washed over his aristocratic features.
"Wait a moment," he said, stepping a little closer. "Tell me your name."
Beihe made a small distressed sound, but Lu Hua lifted her chin, holding her ground. "Chun Lu Hua," she replied firmly.
The prince's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Chun Lu Hua?" he repeated, then suddenly burst into laughter—a rich, unexpected sound that echoed through the corridor. "By the heavens, this is priceless!"
Lu Hua crossed her arms, trying to maintain her composure. "Something amusing, Your Highness?" she asked, her tone careful but curious.
"You're my brother's soon-to-be divorced wife," he said, wiping imaginary tears from his eyes. "And now you're about to become my half-brother's bride. And here I thought you were just some lost little maid!" His laughter faded, turning into something more intrigued. "What an interesting web you've woven yourself into, Lady Chun."
Beihe looked ready to faint, her eyes wide in shock. But Lu Hua merely sighed, trying to keep her voice steady. "Yes, well, the imperial family does enjoy its dramatic entanglements, doesn't it?"
The prince's lips quirked into a smirk. "Indeed we do." He gave her another once-over, this time with new appreciation in his eyes. "I must say, my twin brother is even more of a fool than I thought if he's giving up a woman like you."
Before Lu Hua could respond, a eunuch's voice called from down the hall. "Lady Chun! His Majesty grows impatient!"
The Third Prince stepped aside with an exaggerated bow. "Don't let me keep you from your audience. But I suspect our paths will cross again... sister-in-law."
As Lu Hua hurried away with Beihe, she could feel the prince's amused gaze following her, burning into her back. The tightening in her stomach told her that this was just the beginning of a complicated journey ahead.
(Throne Room)
When Lu Hua and Beihe finally arrived at the grand throne room, the heavy doors swung open to reveal a scene filled with simmering tension.
The Emperor sat rigidly upon his golden throne, his fingers gripping the armrests as if he were restraining himself from standing. Beside him, the Empress wore a tight-lipped smile, her sharp eyes fixed on the Second Prince. He lounged in his seat with an air of indifference, swirling a cup of wine between his fingers as if the entire world bored him.
The announcer's voice boomed through the hall. "Presenting Lady Chun Lu Hua!"
Instantly, the expressions of the Emperor and Empress brightened. Their earlier irritation vanished as they turned toward her with welcoming smiles.
Lu Hua stepped forward with grace, Beihe following closely behind her, and both bowed deeply.
"Your Majesties," Lu Hua greeted, her voice steady.
The Emperor raised a hand dismissively. "Rise, rise! Go sit."
As Lu Hua moved to take her seat, she felt a pair of eyes fixed on her. Glancing over, she found the Second Prince staring at her in shock.
His relaxed posture had suddenly frozen, his cup tilting awkwardly in his hand. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to speak, but no words came out.
Realizing he was caught staring, he quickly straightened up in his seat, adjusting his robes with a sense of awareness. His fingers fumbled as he set the cup down carefully, his earlier confidence completely vanished.
Lu Hua sat down gracefully, smoothing her skirts with careful movements. Inside, she found the whole situation quite amusing.
The Emperor leaned forward a bit, his expression kind. "Lady Chun, how have you been in the palace? Are you settling in well?"
Lu Hua folded her hands softly in her lap. "Your Majesty is very kind to ask. The palace has been a wonderful experience. I am getting used to it more each day."
Meanwhile, the Second Prince had been staring at Lu Hua without any shame since she entered. He leaned closer to his attendant and whispered sharply, "Who is she? Why haven't I seen her before?"
The servant shook his head in defeat. "This servant does not know, Your Highness."
Suddenly, the Empress clapped her hands together, her voice filled with excitement. "We have wonderful news! Lady Chun's wedding preparations are all finished. In just one week, she will be properly marrying into our family!"
Lu Hua lowered her eyes shyly, looking like a blushing bride. "This humble one is truly grateful for Your Majesties' kindness in arranging everything."
Suddenly, a loud clatter filled the hall as the Second Prince's wine cup tipped over, dark liquid spilling across the table. Everyone turned to look at him.
"Y-you..." he stammered, his face going pale as he pointed at Lu Hua. "You're Chun Lu Hua?"
The Emperor frowned deeply. "Have you lost your mind, Dexiu? Of course, this is Lady Chun."
The Second Prince jumped up from his seat, his chair scraping loudly on the marble floor. His eyes moved quickly between Lu Hua's calm face and his parents' stern looks. "But...but she's..." His voice trailed off as he looked at Lu Hua. He noticed her graceful posture, her fine features, and the way the sunlight shone in her hair. She was not at all like the plain woman he had imagined.
Lu Hua looked at the Second Prince with a calm smile, enjoying the surprise on his face as he realized who she was. She was the same bride he had rejected, the one he left alone on their wedding night, the one everyone said was ugly.
And she was beautiful.
The Second Prince's mouth opened and closed silently before he finally spoke, "She's...going to marry Sixth Brother?"
The Emperor nodded with a serious look. "Indeed. Unless you've suddenly developed some objection?"
The Second Prince's face quickly turned red. He tried to speak, but no words came out. Then, he sat down hard, looking like he just realized he had lost something very valuable.
Lu Hua acted like she didn't see his upset, turning to answer a question from the Empress about flower arrangements. But she couldn't hide the small, happy smile on her face.
The Second Prince, still shocked by the fact that the beautiful woman in front of him was the bride he had left, suddenly spoke up.
"Father-" he said quickly, standing up again, his face showing both desperation and disbelief. "I-I've reconsidered! If-if Lady Chun is willing, I will be a good husband from now on! There's no need for her to marry Sixth Brother-"
The Emperor's face grew stern. Before the Second Prince could finish, the Emperor lifted his hand, stopping him with just that movement.
"Enough," the Emperor said, his voice sharp and clear in the room. "The divorce is done. The marriage was never consummated, and you said yes to the divorce before. There is no going back."
Dexiu's mouth opened and closed without words, his protests fading away. His hands balled into fists at his sides, his once proud look now filled with desperation.
The Empress, smiling as if she hadn't seen her son's embarrassment, clapped her hands softly. "Now, now, let's not focus on sad things. Lu Hua, I have something for you."
A servant came forward, giving a shiny box to the Empress. With care, she opened it, showing a beautiful hairpin. It was made of fine gold shaped like a flying phoenix, its wings decorated with small red rubies that sparkled in the light.
"I commissioned this just for you," the Empress said, her voice kind. "A gift to celebrate your new start."
Lu Hua took the hairpin with both hands, lowering her head in thanks. "Your Majesty honors me. I will keep it safe."
From the side of her eye, she saw Dexiu's face tighten with frustration, his jaw clenched as he looked at the ground. The irony was sweet - the woman he had thought was not good enough was now receiving gifts and praise, while he could do nothing to fix his mistake.
The Emperor cleared his throat. "The matter is settled. Lady Chun will marry the Sixth Prince next week, and that's final."
Dexiu stayed quiet. But the way his fingers gripped his robes showed how upset he was.
★
As Lu Hua and Beihe walked, the cool autumn air carried away the stress from the throne room with their laughter.
"Did you see his face?" Beihe laughed, hiding her smile behind her sleeve. "Like someone just told him his favorite place to relax burned down! He got what he deserved for-"
"Lady Chun!"
The sharp voice stopped their fun like a cut. Lu Hua and Beihe stopped walking and turned to see the Second Prince walking quickly towards them, his fancy clothes moving with his fast steps.
Lu Hua's smile went away as she and Beihe quickly bowed. "Your Highness," they said together, keeping their voices calm.
Dexiu stopped, his breathing a bit heavy from running. Close up, Lu Hua saw the small sweat on his forehead and the look of hope in his eyes. "I... didn't think you would look like this," he said quickly. "There were rumors-"
"How nice of Your Highness to see me," Lu Hua said smoothly, cutting him off. Her voice was kind but cold. "I'm honored."
The prince swallowed hard, his fingers moving nervously at his sides. "Listen, about this marriage... Maybe you could change your mind? I see now how I... made a mistake." He leaned a little closer, his voice quieter. "I can change. I'll be the husband you deserve."
Beside her, Beihe let out a small, surprised sound.
Lu Hua's smile was polite but cold. "How kind of Your Highness. But I'm afraid that can't happen. My stepmother has already..." She stopped for a moment, "...thought some things about you."
Dexiu's face grew dark.
"With Your Highness's permission," Lu Hua said, bowing again and stepping away, "I must go now."
Without waiting for an answer, Lu Hua turned smoothly, and Beihe followed her. They kept a proper pace until they turned the corner, then Beihe grabbed Lu Hua's sleeve.
"My lady! How bold of him!" Beihe whispered. "After leaving you alone on your wedding night, now he-"
"Shh," Lu Hua laughed softly, touching Beihe's hand. "Men like him only chase what they can't get." She looked back at the hallway, her lips smiling. "Let's see how much he wants it when I'm married to his half-brother."
As they walked away down the shiny hallway, the only sounds were the soft swish of their silk clothes and, from far away, the sound of a fist hitting a pillar in frustration.
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