Blossom In Adversity - Vol. 2

C331. Discovery.

Chapter 331: Discovery

Striding briskly into the grand hall, Lai Fu's sharp eyes took in the scene. Kneeling beside the Emperor’s legs like a pampered kitten, Tong Yi exuded a beguiling innocence, her wide eyes attentively fixed on the Emperor and Concubine Hui as they spoke. The submissive allure in her every gesture was spellbinding, an artful balance of naivety and calculated charm that made her utterly irresistible.

The Emperor, clearly captivated, stroked her head with indulgent fondness and casually declared, “I’ll have lunch here today.”

Tong Yi tilted her delicate face upward, her gaze open yet teasingly provocative, as she asked, “Here?”

The air shifted. Everyone present caught the double entendre in her words. Concubine Hui, who was clearly not keen on Tong Yi monopolizing the Emperor's attention, instinctively opened her mouth to object. However, her son’s subtle tap on her back served as a silent warning. Annoyed but mindful of the precarious political undercurrents, she swallowed her discontent.

The Emperor, on the verge of granting Tong Yi’s request with a pleased smile, was interrupted by the soft, deliberate voice of his chief steward. “The Second Prince is unlikely to tolerate prolonged company in this palace. I’ll see to it that the meal is delivered here instead.”

For a fleeting moment, the Emperor’s brow creased in confusion before realization dawned. Yan Xi—ever watchful, ever unyielding—wouldn’t take kindly to someone effectively under house arrest openly flaunting their freedom within his domain. The reminder brought a pang of guilt, an unwelcome prick of conscience that the Emperor quickly smothered. Securing leverage over Yan Xi had been no simple feat; obtaining incriminating evidence had cost both effort and sacrifice. And yet, here he was, allowing sentiment to cloud judgment.

His brief moment of self-reproach froze into something colder, more calculating. With a practiced hand, he tousled Tong Yi’s hair again, his voice measured. “It’ll be here. Make it so.”

“Understood,” came the efficient reply.

Tong Yi, unfazed, merely smiled, her acquiescence disarming in its quiet simplicity. She leaned back against the Emperor, resting her cheek against his thigh as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Her slender fingers toyed with his, an idle, intimate gesture that was both innocent and maddeningly suggestive.

Across the hall, Gu Cheng’an’s gaze faltered. He hadn’t meant to watch her, yet somehow, he couldn’t quite look away.

*

The side hall was very quiet, with the window half open. Gu Yanxi listened for any movement, but there were only two palace servants present.

From Lai Fu's description, it seemed that Tong Yi was highly favored at the moment. The treatment she received was not comparable to the Concubine Hui, who had been the primary consort for many years, so it shouldn't be so deserted.

Hidden in the shadows, watching a palace maid carrying a basin out, Gu Yanxi surveyed the surroundings, then stealthily entered the bedchamber.

From here, it was evident that Tong Yi was favored, as precious items were casually scattered around, and a few large pink pearls were even scattered on the bed, some rolling to the bedside. The owner of the bedchamber didn't seem to care much about these things.

Gu Yanxi’s sharp gaze roved over the room, taking in every detail. He approached the incense burner, his fingers deft as he lifted its lid. The faint fragrance that wafted out was nothing extraordinary—a common scent that floated through countless palace chambers. Still, he carefully scraped a pinch of ash into a hidden pouch before shaking the burner to restore its undisturbed appearance. No one would know it had been touched.