Chapter 6

Lu Hua's eyes darted nervously around the opulent pavilion, feeling the weight of the empress and emperor's gaze upon her. Their expressions held a mix of curiosity and expectation, causing a shiver to run down her spine. Unbeknownst to her, the emperor's stare had an intense quality that made her uneasy.

"Lu Hua, come, have some tea," the empress said with a warm smile, offering her a cup.

Taking the delicate porcelain cup in her hands, Lu Hua hesitantly took a sip, immediately enveloped by the fragrant aroma. "It is for fertility," the empress declared proudly.

The words hit Lu Hua like a lightning bolt, causing her to cough abruptly, almost spilling the tea. "Fertility?" she managed to stammer, her face reflecting her shock.

"Indeed! It's a marvelous tea, known for its effectiveness. Once the marriage is consummated, you will soon find yourself with child," the empress continued, her smile unwavering.

"Ahh...haha. That's good news..." Lu Hua replied awkwardly, her heart sinking at the implications of the empress's words.

Seated next to the empress, the emperor's intense gaze remained fixed on Lu Hua. He was surprised to see the strong resemblance she bore to her mother, Longlü. The mere thought of it sent a shiver down his spine. When Lu Hua met his eyes, she quickly looked away, sensing a heavy atmosphere in the room.

"Why have you come, girl?" he inquired, his voice authoritative yet curious.

The empress, equally intrigued, chimed in, "Is there something you need, Lu Hua?"

"Um...I was thinking that now that I will be living here, I would like to explore the city," Lu Hua suggested, her voice holding a glimmer of hope.

"What? That's absurd! It's not safe out there, especially for someone of your status!" the emperor exclaimed, his voice strong and protective.

Lu Hua's face showed her disappointment as she returned to her chambers after the emperor's firm refusal. There, her loyal attendants, Beihe and Fuquan, were waiting for her.

"My lady, please don't be disheartened. The emperor's concern is valid, but why didn't he simply instruct the guards to accompany you? It would be much safer," Beihe comforted her.

Fuquan joined in, nudging Beihe playfully, "Bandits are always a threat, Lady Lu Hua, but there are other ways to explore the city."

"Sneak out?" Lu Hua repeated in disbelief, feeling her heart race with excitement. The trio was dressed in simple yet stylish attire, striking a delicate balance between subtlety and fashion. "Sneak out like the second prince did," she suggested.

"We are not heading to a brothel, my lady," Fuquan replied, his voice tinged with a sense of offense.

"If we are caught, the consequences could be severe," Lu Hua pointed out, her tone turning more serious.

"Do not fear, Lady Lu Hua. The palace staff have not yet seen your face; what do we have to worry about?" Beihe reassured her.

★

Moving swiftly through the dimly lit palace corridors, the trio walked cautiously, holding their breath in anticipation. Lu Hua's heart pounded with excitement as they approached a small, concealed gate often used by servants. The moon shone brightly overhead, casting a silver light across the palace grounds. Earlier, Fuquan had slyly bribed the gatekeeper, ensuring their secretive departure would go unnoticed.

"Remember, my lady," Beihe murmured as they slipped through the gate, "if anyone inquires, we are simply commoners enjoying the festival in the city."

With a nod, Lu Hua's eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The city outside the palace walls was a lively world she had only imagined - bustling markets, lively taverns, and vibrant festivals. It was a tempting contrast to the strict formality of palace life.

As they entered the streets, the city buzzed with activity, despite the late hour. Lanterns brightened every corner, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone paths. Merchants called out, tempting passersby with delicious pastries and intricate trinkets. The scent of roasted meats and aromatic spices filled the air, causing Lu Hua's stomach to rumble with anticipation.

"Let's grab something to eat," Fuquan suggested, leading them to a lively little eatery tucked away from the main road. They found a table at the back, where they could enjoy the bustling atmosphere without attracting too much attention. Lu Hua eagerly ordered a bowl of noodles, her mouth watering at the thought of the flavorful broth and tender meat.

As they enjoyed their meal, Lu Hua was overcome with a thrilling sensation of freedom, a stark contrast to the heavy expectations of the empress and emperor, not to mention the strange encounter with the fertility tea. She felt unburdened by her worries, engrossed in the lively atmosphere of the city.

Suddenly, a gasp from Beihe startled Lu Hua. "Isn't that Rong Xianzong?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief.

Lu Hua turned to see the man in question, her analytical instincts kicking in.

Name: Rong Xianzong

Age: 18 Years

Height: 180 cm

Weight: 64 kg

Relationship Status: Lu Hua's Ex-husband

A cough slipped past Lu Hua's lips, nearly choking her as Fuquan hurriedly slapped her back. "Ex-husband?" she asked, bewildered.

"Yes, my lady. He's your first ex-husband, and the instigator of the rumor that you were ugly," Beihe clarified, her tone laced with intrigue. "What is he doing here anyway? I thought he despised going out, unless..."

Just then, a petite girl dashed into the restaurant, scanning the room until her eyes locked onto Xianzong. Without hesitation, she rushed towards him, her face aglow with excitement.

"Daiyu," he greeted, a hint of warmth in his voice.

"Oh, I've missed you so much! It's been months!" the girl, Daiyu, enthused, her eyes sparkling with affection.

Lu Hua's attention drifted back to her meal, but Beihe and Fuquan exchanged bewildered glances. "My lady, aren't you jealous?" Beihe asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

Lu Hua, unfazed, slurped her noodles nonchalantly. "Jealous of what? They're siblings," she replied.

"No, my lady! They are third cousins!" Fuquan corrected, his tone urgent.

"Okay, and?" Lu Hua shrugged, her indifference palpable. "He can go date his great-grandfather if he wishes."

"Oh, don't say that! His great-grandfather is already deceased," Beihe added, her eyes widening in surprise.

"It's an arranged marriage, for goodness' sake! It's not like I'm in love with him," Lu Hua replied, her tone dismissive.

"Ah, you're right," Beihe conceded.

"Besides, look at him and then look at me," Lu Hua added, gesturing dramatically between herself and Rong Xianzong. "I'm gorgeous! He's not ugly, but I certainly deserve better!"

"You sound like a narcissist, Lady Lu Hua, but I must agree with you nonetheless," Fuquan remarked dryly.

Lu Hua raised an eyebrow, flipping her hair over her shoulder with an air of confidence. "Yes! He's a jerk, anyway. Why on earth would he divorce me during the wedding?"

"Mhm, it is quite outrageous," Beihe agreed. Suddenly, her eyes widened with realization. "Oh! What if...?" She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "He's secretly in love with his third cousin?"

"That's absurd! That would be incest!" Lu Hua replied, her tone dismissive.

"But they are third cousins! It's not a problem," Fuquan pointed out.

"Okay," Lu Hua replied.

"Oh, look! That girl is poking his cheek!" Beihe exclaimed, her voice barely contained.

"Shh! Be quiet!" Fuquan hissed, clamping a hand over her mouth.

Turning around, Lu Hua confirmed Beihe's observation: the girl was indeed playfully poking Rong Xianzong's cheek, a smile adorning her face as if she were utterly smitten.

Name: Lin Daiyu

Age: 16 Years

Height: 155 cm

Weight: 46 kg

Info:

Lin Daiyu is the daughter of a minister, harboring a deep affection for her third cousin, Rong Xianzong. Due to her family's financial woes brought on by her brothers and parents' excesses, marrying Rong Xianzong is seen as her only viable escape. She is fiercely protective of him.

Lu Hua then turned to look at Rong Xianzong.

Rong Xianzong

Info:

Rong Xianzong was born into a wealthy merchant family and is the heir to the family business. Unfortunately, the business is slowly dying due to his father's addiction to gambling and buying expensive things. He believes that marrying his third cousin, Lin Daiyu, could restore his family's wealth.

Lu Hua couldn't help but mentally chuckle at the absurdity of it all - both families teetering on the brink of financial ruin while entangled in the web of arranged marriages. The irony was almost too delicious to resist.