As her words fell, all eyes in the hall turned to her.
Unfazed by the varied gazes, she stood tall and proud like a peacock, her eyes fixed on Pei Yao.
Lin Chan.
A royal surname.
A princess.
Fang Yun lowered her gaze, then looked at Pei Yao.
Traveling such a long distance with such a clear purpose, this was a troublesome peach blossom indeed.
Sure enough, though Pei Yao's eyes were cold, he smiled.
"Are you a member of the Shangyang royal family?"
"Your Majesty, this is the Fifteenth Princess of Shangyang, the sister of our ruler," Lin Rongheng introduced.
Pei Yao replied, "Since you are a princess, performing in public is beneath your dignity. I appreciate your intention."
Pei Yao had no desire to get involved with an enemy princess.
Unexpectedly, Lin Chan immediately responded, "Dancing for Your Majesty does not diminish my dignity. It is my honor to see Your Majesty in person. I have traveled far from Shangyang and hope Your Majesty will grant my wish."
Her face now showed reverence and shyness, a stark contrast to the disdain she had shown Fang Yun earlier.
Indeed, not simple.
Fang Yun's interest in the banquet grew.
By now, Lin Chan had moved to the center of the hall.
With her request made and preparations in place, Pei Yao had to give face.
He nodded.
Lin Chan smiled, clapped her hands, and four maids entered with musical instruments, beginning to play.
To everyone's surprise, as the music started, she pulled a tie at her shoulder, letting her outer garment fall, revealing her graceful figure.
She danced a Hu dance!
Perhaps mindful of Great Qi's customs, she wasn't as scantily clad as Hu dancers, wearing a sheer outer layer over her dress.
The semi-transparent fabric made her even more alluring.
Beneath the thin veil, her slender waist moved sensuously, bold and fiery.
Though the men present had read Confucian texts condemning such behavior as shameless, many couldn't help but be captivated by her dance.
Fang Yun discreetly observed the reactions. The women, especially the concubines, looked disgusted, their faces darkening. Even the Empress frowned.
With this dance, no one in the palace would see her as a mere seductress anymore.
Fang Yun inwardly scoffed.
She lifted her cup and took a sip of wine.
Just then, she felt someone's gaze on her and turned to see Pei Yao looking her way.
Why was he looking at her now?
Though she felt a bit annoyed, she wasn't so jealous or upset that it needed special attention. Yet, Pei Yao's eyes held a reassuring and explanatory look.
Fang Yun guessed he had noticed her drinking and assumed she was unhappy.
Understanding this, Fang Yun raised her chin slightly, arching a delicate eyebrow and pouting playfully.
Her eyes, however, sparkled with mischievous amusement, easing Pei Yao's mind and making him appreciate her lively and sharp nature even more.
Meanwhile, Lin Chan saw their small interaction and, when Pei Yao looked back at her, decisively removed the veil from her face.
Her beauty was intense and vibrant, exuding allure and boldness.
With prominent, striking features, she showcased a unique, exotic charm full of passion and boldness.
Seeing Lin Chan's face, Fang Yun understood her background.
Shangyang had two neighboring countries: Great Qi and Yanhu.
Yanhu was known for its beauty but was resource-poor and a nomadic nation.
Years ago, Shangyang had conquered Yanhu, making it a vassal state.
Yanhu annually sent many beauties and livestock to Shangyang. Lin Chan likely had Yanhu blood in her veins.
It explained her status as a princess and her journey to Great Qi to dance.
Royal families valued bloodlines. Foreign-blooded children were never heirs, and such princesses were less esteemed.
Lin Chan's beauty likely led her half-brother, the ruler of Shangyang, to send her to Great Qi.
It was a gesture of appeasement from a defeated nation.
As Lin Chan finished her dance, Lin Rongheng spoke.
"Your Majesty, the past conflict was due to the previous emperor being misled by the treacherous concubine Yin Shi. Now that the late emperor has passed and the concubine is no more, her son Lin Zong has been captured by your nation. Our ruler wishes to restore good relations and sent the Fifteenth Princess to propose an alliance."
The intent was clear.
Lin Chan, with a graceful bow, said, "Your Majesty, I have long admired you. Meeting you today, I am completely captivated and wish to serve you, regardless of status."
Even as a princess with mixed blood, her words showed extreme humility.
Such a humble approach, during peace negotiations, forced Pei Yao to show some goodwill.
Smiling lightly, he said, "With such goodwill from the ruler of Shangyang and the princess's long journey, how could I refuse?"
Lin Rongheng's eyes brightened at this.
Pei Yao then looked at the Empress, asking gently, "What position should the Fifteenth Princess hold in the palace?"
The Empress glanced at Lin Chan.
Despite her dislike, she considered the broader picture, unsure of Pei Yao's thoughts, and replied cautiously, "Her status should befit a princess, so she won't feel slighted."
A safe, non-committal answer.
Pei Yao nodded as if deciding but then turned to Fang Yun.
Smirking, he asked, "What do you think, Zhao Fei?"
Being addressed directly, Fang Yun felt a twinge of irritation.
He wasn't satisfied with the Empress's answer, so he was asking her.
Meeting Pei Yao's gaze, Fang Yun understood.
He wanted her to play the bad guy.
So, the favored Zhao Fei raised her red lips, her beautiful eyes assessing Lin Chan like evaluating goods, and said nonchalantly, "In the palace, we rank by offspring, seniority, and merit."
She laughed softly, her tone dripping with disdain, "Having none of these, I suggest the title of Lingyi is sufficient."
YOU ARE READING
The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)
RomanceAuthor: Huatang Xiuge Translator: Me (Xiaobai) 东宫掌娇 Upon entering the Eastern Palace, Fang Yun lived cautiously, burdened by the label of a substitute bride and daughter of a traitor. She knew well that, as a daughter of low birth, she had been cas...
