Princess Murong Yingwei had waited for this moment—the moment Rouyuan would be humiliated before the entire court.
But when the veil fell and Rouyuan's face was revealed, Murong Yingwei froze.
Her eyes widened.
Her expression twisted in disbelief.
Then she turned sharply, glaring with fury at Zhao Shaoqin and Bai Zhenying.
This was not the reaction she wanted.
Meanwhile, Yexuan's heart lurched.
He nearly rushed toward Rouyuan—
—but someone else reached her first.
Li Xiao Ran, Princess Consort of Prince Murong Zhenxi, his mother, swept forward and lifted Rouyuan gently to her feet.
"Are you hurt?" she asked anxiously.
"I'm alright. Thank you, Wangfei," Rouyuan replied softly, still shaken and deeply embarrassed.
The Empress Dowager immediately scolded the palace maid who had spilled the water.
Murong Yingwei quickly stepped in, trying to calm her grandmother.
"Huángtàihòu Grandmother, the maid must not have done it intentionally. Please let her go."
She then cast a sharp warning glance at Zhao Shaoqin and Bai Zhenying, instructing them silently to keep quiet.
Only then did Rouyuan notice the hush around her—
—the weight of countless gazes
—all fixed on her.
Her veil lay torn on the floor.
Her face—her true face—was fully visible to the entire court.
Consort Rou quickly approached.
"Thank you, Wangfei," she told Princess Consort Li Xiao Ran sincerely.
Then she turned with clear displeasure directed at Murong Yingwei.
"Take her to my chamber. Let her change," Consort Rou ordered her palace maid.
Rouyuan, overwhelmed, allowed herself to be led away.
Qingshi, Xianyi, and Doudou followed close behind, shielding her from the murmuring crowd.
The Return — Beauty Unveiled
When they re-entered the banquet hall, everyone had already taken their seats.
And every pair of eyes turned toward Rouyuan.
She wore a soft pink silk dress, its layers flowing like morning clouds.
Her waist was tied with pale gold ribbon; the sleeves fluttered lightly with every step.
Her raven-black hair was styled in an elegant half-crown, adorned with delicate gemstone hairpins from Wen Qianbao Pavilion.
Without her veil—Her skin glowed like porcelain.
Her features were gentle yet striking: a slender nose, soft cherry lips, and eyes bright like moonlit water.
She looked ethereal.
Graceful.
Enchanting.
A beauty that stunned the imperial hall into silence.
Young noble ladies stared in admiration.
Young noble men forgot to breathe.
Rouyuan, Qingshi, Xianyi, and Doudou were led by palace maid to a table beside Consort Rou.
Only three tables were arranged in this special section.
Qingshi gestured to a palace maid. "Move Yan Doudou's table closer. She sits with us."
Across the hall, Murong Yexuan watched Rouyuan.
His expression darkened—not with anger at her, but at the but a feeling of dissatisfaction.
He found himself resenting every gaze cast upon Rouyuan.
Her beauty felt too precious, something he wished only he could witness…though he knew such a wish was impossible as long as she remained engaged to Zhao Yunxiang.
Rouyuan noticed his stiff posture yet pretended not to understand.
She simply smiled and continued chatting with her friends.
Murong Yingwei glared with hatred.
Zhao Shaoqin, Bai Zhenying, Bai Yuxin, and Bai Yulin watched with burning jealousy.
Zhao Yunxiang and his notorious friends eyed her with dangerous interest.
Meanwhile—
Deputy General Wei Shensu, Duke Lin Changyu, and Prince Murong Yunxi exchanged brief nods of admiration.
Now they understood why Yexuan's impenetrable heart had fallen—a heart no noble woman had ever managed to claim.
Who wouldn't fall for her?
Music, Talent, and Hidden Hearts
Food and wine flowed.
Musicians performed elegant melodies.
Dancers swayed gracefully in the center of the hall.
Princess Murong Qingshi and Princess Murong Yingwei performed on the guqin, drawing applause.
Several young noblemen recited poetry to impress the court.
Everyone seemed cheerful—though beneath the harmony, jealousy and plotting brewed quietly.
The Empress's Gift Ceremony
At length, the hall shifted as the hour for offering gifts approached.
When Rouyuan's name was called, she stepped forward gracefully.
She presented her main gift, 'A luxurious fragrance set lined with gold and gemstones.'
The Empress's eyes lit up immediately.
"This is exquisite," she said warmly.
"I adore it."
Consort Rou's smile brimmed with pride.
Rouyuan suddenly hesitated—
"There is… one more gift, if Huánghòu Niángniángwould allow."
The Empress nodded in amusement.
Rouyuan asked a palace servant to fetch something from the Bai's carriage and another maid to retrieve ice stones from the cold storage.
When the items arrived, Rouyuan unveiled her invention, "This is the Hand-Crank Cooling Fan."
She placed herbal ice and ice stones inside, then demonstrated the crank.
A cool breeze swept across the Empress's face.
Gasps rippled through the hall.
The Emperor leaned forward, intrigued.
"This… this breeze feels delightful! I want this for Qianhe Jade Hall."
Rouyuan smiled politely.
"As Your Majesty commands."
Nobles around the hall murmured in excitement.
"Is this from Yunyan Pavilion?"
"I want three for my residence!"
"No—five!"
"I must have it before summer!"
Rouyuan bowed gracefully.
"This is a creation of Mingyue Pavilion. The pavilion will be opening soon, and this item— along with many other new inventions— will be showcased there. I welcome everyone to visit."
She returned to her table, satisfaction glowing in her eyes.
Qingshi, Xianyi, and Doudou immediately stretched out their hands—
High five!
Across from them, Murong Yexuan smiled quietly…
Proud.
Relieved.
And completely captivated.