On Qionghua Island, at Wangxian Tower.
The Empress had granted Xie Hualou a seat beside her.
Xie Hualou was beautiful and dignified, born into a family of scholars. If Old Tutor Xie were still alive, if the Xie family had not refused the Marriage to ward off misfortune for Lu Zhuo, even though Xie Hualou was already nineteen this year, she would still be the most sought-after young lady among noble families in the capital. But there were no ifs. Although Old Tutor Xie’s death had provided a veil of decency for the Xie family’s refusal, everyone knew the truth: the Xies could not bear to marry their stunning daughter to Lu Zhuo, whose fate hung in the balance.
Others might have been equally reluctant, but since it was only the Xie family that had refused, other noble families naturally took the moral high ground, criticizing them for falling short of propriety. A family of scholars indeed! Even in such circumstances, Xie Hualou wouldn’t have been faulted for not observing mourning for her grandfather. Her refusal to marry was simply fear of becoming a widow!
In contrast, Wei Rao had chosen to observe mourning for Old Mrs. Wei and divorce Lu Zhuo, a highly desirable husband. The difference between genuine and false filial piety was clear as day.
Xie Hualou’s reputation had long been tarnished, though no one spoke of it openly.
The Empress had no intention of making Xie Hualou her daughter-in-law; she merely intended to use her.
If Lu Zhuo were to meet Xie Hualou and be captivated by her beauty and grace, abandoning Wei Rao—who had repeatedly rejected him—to pursue Xie Hualou instead, then the gossip in the capital about Wei Rao would shift dramatically. Instead of envying Wei Rao for winning Lu Zhuo’s devotion, people would mock her for putting on airs and losing such a fine husband. When Little Zhou and Li Guiren learned of this, they would surely resent Lu Zhuo for making their daughter a laughingstock, turning them into sworn enemies of the Duke of Yingguo’s Manor.
The Empress had no desire for Lu Zhuo to actually win Wei Rao back, only for him to become an asset to Li Guiren and the Fourth Prince.
Conversely, if Lu Zhuo remained unmoved by Xie Hualou and persisted in pursuing Wei Rao, then he would offend the Xie family. Xie Hualou and the Xies would come to resent Lu Zhuo, Wei Rao, and Li Guiren’s faction. Though Old Tutor Xie was gone and the men of the Xie family held only minor official posts, Xie Hualou’s five cousins had all married into prominent families. Bound by sisterly affection, they would surely speak ill of Wei Rao and her mother in their husbands’ ears.
In short, if the Empress succeeded as a matchmaker today, Lu Zhuo and Xie Hualou would owe her thanks. If she failed, there would be no loss to her.
Long before sending the palace maid to summon Xie Hualou, the Empress had already dispatched someone to summon Lu Zhuo.
Xie Hualou knew nothing of this.
Among the seated ladies, Xie Hualou had met most at family banquets in the past. Back then, her grandfather was still alive, and she was the favored choice for daughters- or granddaughters-in-law. The elders had praised her warmly, but today their compliments felt hollow and perfunctory.
Truthfully, Xie Hualou had not wanted to attend today’s Dragon Boat Festival banquet, nor the Peony Festival back in April.
Before marriage, the young ladies of the Xie family never stepped beyond their gates, raised in deep seclusion. Families familiar with the Xies’ rules did not send invitations to their daughters. When her grandfather was alive, the noble ladies of the palace had never summoned the Xie sisters. This year, however, the Empress had made an exception twice.
Her mother said the Empress might have taken a liking to her, intending her to become Princess Jing or Fu Wang’s consort.
Xie Hualou explained that she had been betrothed and broken off an engagement—it was impossible.
Yet her mother still clung to hope, urging her to enter the palace cheerfully. Xie Hualou truly had no choice but to comply with the Empress’s summons.Today, the Empress deliberately arranged for her and Wei Rao to watch the race together.
Xie Hualou understood the Empress's intention—she wanted to use her to suppress Wei Rao and even Li Guiren's influence.
Xie Hualou found it laughable. Apart from her dignified demeanor, what else did she possess to outshine Wei Rao?
But she couldn't show her true feelings. She had to maintain her composure and not tarnish the reputation of the Xie family's daughters.
Qionghua Island was, as its name suggested, an island, and the Wangxian Pavilion stood high above. Before long, Xie Hualou noticed a palace attendant leading a young military officer in a crimson official robe up the stone path. Crimson was the color of the battle robes worn by the Divine Martial Army, and across the lake, the Divine Martial Army's dragon boat team was stationed.
As the young officer drew nearer, Xie Hualou finally saw his face clearly.
It was said that Lu Zhuo, the heir of the Duke of Yingguo's manor, possessed an otherworldly elegance.
Xie Hualou's heart raced. Noticing someone glancing her way, she quickly turned her gaze to the dragon boat teams on the opposite shore, but her palms began to sweat.
For Lu Zhuo, Xie Hualou felt both admiration and deep guilt. They had once been engaged, but at the time when he needed her most, she had obeyed her parents and called off the engagement. Outsiders might think she did it to observe mourning for her grandfather, but Xie Hualou knew the truth—her parents feared she would become a widow and couldn't bear to let her marry.
If she had insisted on marrying him back then, would she be the one Lu Zhuo was publicly pursuing now?
"Your subject Lu Zhuo pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress, and to Lady Duanfei and Lady Xianfei."
Upon entering the pavilion, Lu Zhuo kept his eyes forward as he bowed to the Empress and the two consorts.
The reputation of the Lu gentleman of the capital was well-deserved. With Lu Zhuo standing there, even the palace maids attending to them couldn't help but stare at him, forgetting their duties. The crimson official robe of the Divine Martial Army enhanced his handsome, scholarly demeanor, making him look like a top candidate in the imperial examinations.
The Empress smiled. "Please rise quickly, Lu gentleman."
Lu Zhuo nodded slightly and straightened his posture, keeping his gaze lowered throughout.
While admiring Lu Zhuo's impressive presence, the Empress asked curiously, "I still remember how three years ago, you single-handedly turned the tide for the Divine Martial Army's defeat. Why aren't you participating in the race this year?"
Lu Zhuo cupped his hands respectfully. "The Divine Martial Army has many elite soldiers and fierce generals. It's a rare opportunity for them to showcase their skills before His Majesty and Your Majesties. I shouldn't monopolize a spot year after year."
Lady Defei praised, "Such noble character, Lu gentleman."
The Empress nodded. "What a pity for us though. We were hoping to witness your brilliance once more."
Lu Zhuo responded with a humble smile.
The dragon boat race hadn't begun yet. The Empress first explained that she had invited Lu Zhuo to provide commentary on the race later, then teased him, "Recently, your pursuit of the princess has been the talk of the capital." Even I in the palace have heard about it. Has the princess agreed to your courtship?"
Lu Zhuo shook his head with a look of embarrassment.
The Empress laughed and, pointing to Xie Hualou, asked Lu Zhuo, "Do you know who she is?"
Lu Zhuo turned to look in that direction.
Xie Hualou hadn't expected the Empress to suddenly shift the topic to her and directly ask Lu Zhuo to look at her. Instantly, her face flushed with shyness. She lowered her eyes to avoid his gaze, which only added a new layer of allure and charm to her already breathtaking beauty.
Lu Zhuo only glanced briefly before withdrawing his gaze and replied respectfully, "Your subject does not—"
Before he could finish, an object suddenly fell from his wide sleeve. With quick reflexes, he caught it and swiftly tucked it back into his sleeve.
The Empress, extremely curious, forgot the words she had prepared earlier and stared at Lu Zhuo's sleeve. "What treasure have you hidden in your sleeve, Lu gentleman?"Everyone turned to look at him. Lu Zhuo appeared slightly embarrassed but made no attempt to conceal anything, openly retrieving a copper tube about a foot long and the thickness of a scroll from his sleeve.
"What is this?" the Empress asked.
Lu Zhuo did not answer immediately, instead opening the copper tube.
The seemingly ordinary copper tube was actually composed of two interlocking sections. When opened, it revealed a slender jade tube nestled inside, surrounded by crushed ice filling the space between the copper and jade layers. The jade tube could also be separated into two halves. When Lu Zhuo opened it, everyone saw three bite-sized Jujube Rice Dumplings arranged in the remaining half of the jade tube. The snow-white glutinous rice enveloped vibrant red jujubes, making mouths water at the sight.
After allowing everyone a clear view, Lu Zhuo reassembled the jade and copper tubes, carefully returning them to his sleeve. He explained to the Empress, "Your Majesty, the Princess enjoys Jujube Rice Dumplings. I specially prepared this gift, hoping I might encounter her during today's palace visit to present it. I seek not to change her feelings, but merely to earn a glance from her."
His thoughtfully prepared gift and the humble devotion in his words astonished all the ladies present.
Xie Hualou lowered her gaze, as if visualizing the intimate scene of Lu Zhuo and Wei Rao celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival together after marriage.
The Empress tightened her grip on her handkerchief. Lu Zhuo's public display of affection for Wei Rao made it awkward for her to continue promoting a match with Xie Hualou.
"Your Majesty, with today's summer heat, the seal has been broken and cold air is escaping. Delaying further may spoil the dumplings' texture. On my way here, I noticed the Princess is at Moonlit Pavilion. I beg Your Majesty's permission to deliver this gift to her first."
The Empress could only smile and say, "Go ahead. Since your heart belongs entirely to the Princess, there's no need to return later. Otherwise, you'd keep glancing toward Moonlit Pavilion during explanations."
Several noblewomen chuckled politely in response.
Lu Zhuo assumed an apologetic expression, bowed, and took his leave.
Moonlit Pavilion stood close to Immortal Tower. Though unable to hear the conversations there, one could clearly see the figures of the Empress and others. When Lu Zhuo descended from Immortal Tower, the young ladies around Wei Rao immediately grew restless again, stealing glances at him while speculating about what he might have said upstairs.
Soon, Lu Zhuo paused at the intersection where the main path led to Moonlit Pavilion.
Accompanied by a palace attendant, he retrieved the copper tube from his sleeve and handed it over with both hands. He then remained at the crossroads, watching as the attendant approached Wei Rao.
Facing the lake, Wei Rao hadn't witnessed his actions until the attendant stood before her and announced respectfully, "Princess, Lord Lu says he has prepared some pastries for your enjoyment."
Only then did Wei Rao turn her head. After a brief glance toward Lu Zhuo across the way, she instructed the attendant disinterestedly, "Open it."
The attendant mimicked Lu Zhuo's earlier actions, first opening the copper tube to reveal the jade cylinder surrounded by crushed ice.
The mere sight of this exquisite jade tube made several young ladies gasp in admiration, their faces filled with envy.
When the attendant opened the jade tube to reveal three tiny Jujube Rice Dumplings inside, Wei Rao—who had maintained an impassive expression until now—allowed a slight smile to touch her lips.
"Please convey my thanks to the Lord," Wei Rao told the attendant as she accepted the ingeniously crafted food container.
The attendant bowed and withdrew.
From his position at the intersection, Lu Zhuo observed Wei Rao's smile and her acceptance of his gift. Even without the attendant's report, he knew his present had been well received. He bowed deeply toward Wei Rao from afar before turning to descend Qionghua Island with a satisfied smile.Wei Rao sat on the decorative bench, watching Lu Zhuo's tall and elegant figure gradually disappear among the flowering trees on the island before finally withdrawing her gaze.
The jade tube also contained bamboo skewers. Wei Rao speared a small jujube rice dumpling, which was just the right size for one bite.
The fragrant glutinous rice formed only a thin layer, enclosing a single pitted jujube that perfectly suited Wei Rao's sweet tooth.
The three small dumplings were merely a snack, and Wei Rao finished them quickly. Wiping the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, she ignored the envious glances from several young noblewomen and began focusing on the competition below.
The equestrian archery contest had just begun when Xie Hualou returned from Wangxian Tower, immediately noticing the bronze tube beside Wei Rao.
Xie Hualou's expression remained unchanged, still wearing a gentle smile.
However, the other noblewomen weren't as warm toward her as before. By now, they had realized: since the Empress had deliberately arranged for Lu Zhuo to meet Xie Hualou, how could she possibly let Xie Hualou become the Princess Consort? Moreover, even after seeing Xie Hualou—the beauty they believed could surpass Wei Rao—Lu Zhuo remained devoted to Wei Rao. Not only did Xie Hualou lose face, but her supporters also felt humiliated.
The next day, news of the grand dragon boat race in the palace spread throughout the capital.
The Divine Martial Army dragon boat team led by Lu Ya claimed victory once again, while the Imperial Guard team under Qi Zhongkai secured second place. Surprisingly, Li Wei's Flying Eagle Army outperformed the Soaring Dragon Army to take third. Yet what truly captivated the noble ladies and young maidens were the encounters between Lu Zhuo, Wei Rao, and Xie Hualou.
In these discussions, Xie Hualou was completely reduced to a foil highlighting Lu Zhuo's unwavering devotion to Wei Rao.
Wei Rao continued her life as the princess, overseeing palace servants preparing luggage for the imperial procession to the temporary palace. Meanwhile, at the Xie residence, Xie Hualou remained secluded indoors, weeping secretly. She harbored no resentment toward the Empress, nor Lu Zhuo, and certainly not Wei Rao—directing all her bitterness toward her own fate.
Yang Shi's heart ached for her daughter. She secretly vowed to find her daughter a husband even more outstanding than Lu Zhuo!
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