The sun had not fully risen when Lang Huan was already in the training yard, her sword slicing through the cool morning air. Her movements were swift and precise, each step flowing into the next like a quiet dance.
"Huan'er."
A deep voice broke the morning stillness.
Lang Huan paused mid-move and turned toward the sound. The Duke of Huguo stood near the wooden fence, wrapped in a thick dark robe. He looked older in the morning light—tired, but composed.
She sheathed her sword and approached him.
"Your sword skills are better than I expected," he said, his voice steady but carrying a note of awkwardness. "It seems Master Xuankai has taught you well."
Lang Huan gave a small nod. She could tell the duke was trying to ease the tension between them.
The Duke took a slow breath, as if choosing his next words carefully.
"I've been thinking… about your marriage," he said at last. "I'll reconsider it. But you must understand—even if I approve, the Emperor may not."
Lang Huan glanced at him, surprised, but before she could reply, he pulled out a silk booklet from his sleeve and held it out to her.
"The Emperor is holding a birthday celebration banquet tomorrow," he said. "There's rumor that he's found a treasure map from the ancient dynasty—could just be gossip, but enough to stir up excitement."
Lang Huan opened the invitation and scanned the elegant script, then looked back at her father.
"I won't be going," the Duke added. "My health hasn't been great lately."
There was a pause. Then, with a rare gentleness, he said, "Why don't you go in my place?"
Lang Huan didn't answer right away. But then a thought came to her: this could be her chance. She might speak to Emperor directly—about her wish to marry the eldest princess.
"Alright," she said quietly.
The Duke nodded. "Just be careful," he added. "Try not to get involved in palace matters. Go, enjoy the banquet."
Lang Huan tucked the booklet into her robe and gave a respectful nod. Maybe he really wasn't feeling well after their argument that day. She suddenly felt a bit guilty.
---
On the day of the banquet, Lang Huan stood tall in front of the mirror while Su Qing quietly helped her dress. Unlike her usual lively self, Su Qing said nothing. Only silence stretched between them.
Lang Huan wore a clean white robe embroidered with golden waves. Su Qing tied a fragrant tassel sachet at her waist, filled with dried flowers and spices, then carefully attached a small jade pendant shaped like a little wolf. Her hands moved efficiently, but her gaze never quite met Lang Huan's.
Lang Huan wanted to ask what was wrong, but she held back. As far as she could recall, she hadn't done anything to upset Su Qing.
In the end, they remained quiet. When everything was ready, Lang Huan looked at her and said softly, "Qingqing, I'm leaving."
Su Qing nodded. "Be careful on the road. Don't drink too much wine," she replied gently.
After saying goodbye to her father, the Duke of Huguo, Lang Huan mounted her horse and rode toward the palace.
---
The sky was clear when she arrived at the gates. A young eunuch bowed deeply and led her inside, guiding her through the polished corridors to Yunxi Palace, where the Emperor's birthday banquet would be held.
As she entered the grand hall, Lang Huan quickly spotted the Eldest Princess, Feng Yao, standing on one side of the room. Surrounded by high-ranking officials, she looked poised and radiant in red and gold, her presence commanding yet serene.
Lang Huan knew that Feng Yao had already noticed her, so she walked over. But the officials kept coming, one after another, eager to offer their greetings to the princess. Feng Yao gave Lang Huan only a brief glance before turning back to her polite smiles and formal conversations.
Lang Huan let out a quiet sigh and rubbed her temple. Bored, she turned, planning to slip outside for some air.
Before she could take a step, a warm hand gently caught her wrist.
"Where are you going?" Feng Yao whispered close to her ear, her voice soft but tinged with a quiet reproach. "The Emperor will arrive soon."
Lang Huan turned to her, slightly annoyed. "I'm bored. And you… you've been ignoring me."
Their eyes met for a moment. Then Feng Yao gave her a small smile—the kind of smile she only gave when it was just the two of them.
Glancing back at the officials, Feng Yao gracefully excused herself from the conversation and guided Lang Huan to sit beside her at the banquet table. Although Lang Huan held no royal title, her seat near the imperial family was never questioned when she was with the Eldest Princess.
As they sat, Feng Yao reached out and adjusted the jade pendant on Lang Huan's belt, which had tilted slightly during the ride.
Lang Huan didn't say anything—but she felt her earlier frustration melt away.
Not long after they settled, the soft music faded.
Everyone in the hall rose to their feet as a loud voice echoed through the grand hall—the head eunuch was making an announcement:
"His Majesty, the Emperor, and Her Majesty, the Empress, have arrived!"
The sound of footsteps filled the hall as the Emperor and Empress made their entrance, walking slowly with dignity, followed by palace maids and imperial guards. They proceeded to their golden thrones at the far end of the hall, raised high above the rest.
All the guests knelt in respect. After the Emperor gave a subtle signal, everyone stood and returned to their seats.
The birthday banquet had officially begun.
Servants moved in and out of the hall with trays of gold and silver, presenting dish after dish: honey-boiled chicken, crispy roast duck, fragrant deer soup steeped in herbs, and dark red wine poured into green jade cups.
Lang Huan ate quietly, uninterested in the nobles' small talk. She carefully picked the best slice of duck and placed it on Feng Yao's plate.
Feng Yao gave her a faint smile and continued sipping her soup while keeping one ear on the Emperor's words.
Lang Huan barely listened to the Emperor. She only raised her cup when everyone toasted—until the moment the Emperor raised his hand.
The hall fell silent.
"Most of you have probably heard the rumors," he said, his voice calm but commanding, "about a treasure map from an ancient dynasty."
Some officials leaned forward, their curiosity obvious.
The Emperor signaled again. A eunuch stepped forward, carrying a small black wooden box. It looked plain, but clearly made with careful workmanship.
Lang Huan's eyes narrowed.
She had seen that box before—in Feng Yao's carriage.
Turning toward Feng Yao, she raised an eyebrow slightly, a silent question in her gaze.
Feng Yao looked at her and clearly understood the unspoken question. But instead of responding, she calmly picked up a piece of roast duck and gently placed it into Lang Huan's mouth, as if to distract her.
Lang Huan blinked, caught off guard, then turned her gaze back to the front and slowly chewed the meat. But in her mind, questions kept swirling. Why does the Emperor have that box now? Isn't it supposed to be poisonous?
After a few more toasts and pleasantries, the Emperor stood, his tone shifting to something more serious.
"I would like to invite all brave high-ranking officials," he declared, "to join the expedition for this long-lost treasure."