Chapter 3: Junior Sister Part 3

Thus, the emperor doted especially on the Second Imperial Prince Xun Yiran. Though not yet crowned crown prince, his position was no different from the heir apparent—only lacking the ceremony.

Great Qi’s hierarchy was clear-cut, and Xun Yiran held a great advantage. The Shao family’s power was deeply rooted; the Yuan family did not meddle in politics; the Gu Liang family’s influence was at the borderlands; and the Pingnan Prince’s Mansion was in the Southwest. What use was military power if it could not match the benefits of being near the emperor?

In the evening, the emperor’s birthday feast was held at Zhaoyang Hall.

Spring hues under bright moonlight, twilight thick and rich. Brilliant palace lamps illuminated several li of corridors outside Zhaoyang Hall. Moonlight poured like water, silver light sprinkling down, echoing the resplendent lamps in a glow of glazed beauty.

Palace servants streamed into the hall, hurrying about as delicacies were placed on the tables.

The emperor and empress appeared together. The emperor wore a bright yellow dragon-embroidered robe, his face stern with a touch of resolve, exuding a majestic imperial bearing. He had ascended young and ruled for over thirty years now. All the officials knelt and paid homage, shouting “Long live!”

Behind him followed Great Qi’s empress, Shao Yun, in a crimson palace gown, her hair like dark clouds, adorned with tassels and pendants, her steps light as a lotus. Her empress aura shone dazzlingly—among all the women present, only she wore the vibrant, noble red.

Once the empress was seated, the Pingnan Prince’s Consort and Xun Changqing followed. Though she straightened her back and mustered her spirits, her gaze was deep, brows lowered as if fatigued. But the banquet had only just begun. The consort quietly pulled her closer, her fingertip touching her forehead, worriedly asking, “What’s wrong? Are you tired?”

Xun Changqing scanned the hall but saw no sign of the Lingyun Sect Leader or Wei Lingci. Perhaps things had changed in this life—maybe because she had been reborn, many events would differ from before.

Thinking this way eased her mind somewhat. She leaned against her mother, who naturally pulled her into her embrace, stroking her back gently. “If you’re tired, rest a bit. No one will notice you. Don’t push yourself.”

Song and dance filled the hall nonstop—drums, music, flutes, strings lingering, the scene fragrant and alluring.

Suddenly, a high call came from outside the hall: “The Lingyun Sect Leader has arrived.”

The person in the Pingnan Prince’s Consort’s arms trembled. The consort was surprised, her brows furrowing slightly as she patted her back reassuringly. “Don’t be afraid. Mother Consort is here.”

The Lingyun Sect Leader, in white robes and white hair, strode in with vigorous steps, his robes fluttering. He bowed toward the emperor at the head. “Your Majesty, this humble subject arrived late. I hope you will not blame me.”

Xun Changqing’s gaze shifted slightly to look behind him—surprisingly, no one was there. Afraid she had missed something, she sat up straight from the consort’s embrace, her eyes freezing. The white-bearded sect leader had come alone? Her heart churned with mixed feelings. It had truly changed?

In her daze, the white-bearded sect leader turned to look at her. Amid the hall’s flickering torchlight, Xun Changqing in her red attire had childish features but an air of nobility without vulgarity. He stroked his snowy white beard and chuckled, “Little child, I see your temperament is extraordinary. Why not come with me to Lingyun Mountain?”

At his words, Xun Changqing’s mind swayed. Their first meeting had been just like this in her previous life—she did not remember being that close to him… Was he always so familiar with everyone?

The hall erupted in murmurs like boiling water, and the Pingnan Prince’s Consort showed a faint smile. Seeing Xun Changqing silent, she patted her shoulder. “Changqing, the daoist is asking you something.”

Xun Changqing’s eyes held only faint coldness. She had always wanted to leave the Imperial Capital—this was a perfect opportunity. She stood up, a pure and innocent smile on her face. “Sect Leader, I can go to Lingyun Mountain if you take me as your disciple.”

She remembered well that the white-bearded sect leader before her was Wei Lingci’s master. If not master and disciple, then fellow disciples it would be!

Author’s Note: Xun Changqing: Master, I’ve paved the way for you. Mother Consort agreed to me marrying you!

Wei Lingci: Shouldn’t it be you marrying me?

Xun Changqing: …Doesn’t matter, let’s be fellow disciples first—we’ll be of the same generation.

Onlookers: Miss Wei, the little wife is disobedient—punish her by kneeling on the abacus.

Wei Lingci: Abacus isn’t good. I hear you modern folks have a fruit called durian— I think it’d suit perfectly.

Xun Changqing: I’m still little!

Good evening, everyone. Remember to bookmark—I sound like a nagging old granny…