Chapter 30: The Quo Qi Ceremony

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The dawn broke over the Dakin Imperial Palace, casting a golden glow over the majestic architecture. Today marked the Quo Qi Ceremony, a sacred ritual where Emperor Xian would bestow imperial titles upon his three sons: Rong Muyang, Rong Xiang, and Rong Jian.

The Imperial Court

"Your Majesty, the ceremony is about to begin," Imperial Chancellor Gong Li announced.

Emperor Xian nodded, his eyes scanning the grand hall filled with nobles, officials, and guards. Beside him sat Huang Guifei Rui, the mother of the Second Prince, and Imperial Consort Li, the mother of the Fourth Prince, with Consort Jiang, the mother of the Fifth Prince.

Concubine Rui smiled smugly, glancing at Concubine Li. "Today, my son will finally surpass yours," she thought to herself. She hated Li Ran intensely, unable to describe her emotions in words. This woman was always cold and arrogant, never bowing down her head.

Twenty years ago, when the queen died in childbirth, Emperor Xian was heartbroken. Upon his recovery, he considered making Noble Consort Li the Queen of the Dakin Empire, but her schemes secured her imperial Noble Consort position instead.

Concubine Li's expression remained cold, her eyes flashing with hidden hatred. "This Concubine Rui thinks highly of herself," she thought. "In her early days in the harem, she was an innocent, naive girl, unaware of right and wrong. She fell into every trap set by Concubine Rui, and the emperor's dislike for her grew day by day." Now, Concubine Li was just an unfavored consort with a mere title. "It's all this woman's fault," she thought, her hatred for Concubine Rui burning intensely.

Emperor Xian, enthroned in majesty, seemed oblivious to her chill. His gaze occasionally lingered on her, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

Imperial Consort Li, 39 yet agelessly beautiful, exuded an aura of frosty elegance. Her pomegranate-red hanfu enveloped her like a regal cloak, accentuating her slender, statuesque figure. The intricately embroidered silk gown seemed to shimmer in the light, mirroring the icy calmness of her demeanor.

Her face, a masterpiece of chilled beauty, revealed no hint of emotion. Her skin, pale and smooth as alabaster, glowed with a subtle, ethereal light. Her dark eyes, like polished onyx, shone with a detached intensity, their gaze piercing yet unyielding.

Her raven-black hair, styled in an elegant updo, framed her heart-shaped face with precision, accentuating her sharp, angular features. Only a few subtle strands of silver hinted at her years, like delicate frost etchings on a winter's night.

The majestic peony motif on her gown symbolized her noble status, yet seemed almost ironic, given her wintry demeanor. The delicate, gemstone-encrusted belt cinched at her waist highlighted her petite, yet commanding presence.

As she sat, her poise and elegance commanded reverence, yet her cold beauty kept all at arm's length. Her hands, slender and unadorned, rested serenely on the armrests, their stillness emphasizing her frozen emotions.

Imperial Consort Li's beauty was a glacier's kiss – breathtaking, yet unforgiving.

Emperor Xian's gaze faltered, ensnared by Consort Li's breathtaking beauty. Her pomegranate-red hanfu seemed to glow, illuminating the imperial hall.

Emperor Xian turned to Consort Li, his voice low and gentle. "Ran'er my dear, you look lovely today."

Consort Li's response was polite, yet distant. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The emperor's eyes lingered on hers, searching for a spark of warmth. Instead, he found only frost.

Emperor Xian's gaze lingered on Consort Li's icy demeanor, his heart heavy with regret. He knew the depth of her hatred, the wound he had inflicted.

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