In the depths of the Weave Cloud Dynasty palace, as the morning light begins to shine, a busy day is about to start. Hua Xiu has already woken up, tidied herself, and put on a light blue palace outfit, like the most elegant touch of color in the morning sky. There is a faint smile on her face, but it cannot hide the seriousness and contemplation in her eyes.
Today, she will participate in the palace's grand ceremony, which is a monthly routine where all Consorts must pay respects to the Empress dowager, showing their respect and loyalty. However, for Hua Xiu, today is not just a routine, she will use this opportunity to carefully observe the Empress dowager and every noble present, trying to find clues about her own identity from their words and actions.
As the morning light first shines, the golden sunlight penetrates the palace's windows, casting a mottled light and shadow on the columns of Fengning Palace. Inside the palace, the glazed tiles sparkle with a brilliant light under the sun, as if each tile carries the weight of history. Hua Xiu slowly enters this magnificent hall, her heart filled with curiosity about the unknown, yet maintaining a calm and graceful demeanor.
When Hua Xiu and the other consorts gather at Fengning Palace, everyone's gaze unconsciously focuses on the Empress Dowager. Seated on a high imperial throne, the Empress Dowager's countenance is kind, with eyes revealing profound wisdom. Draped in a golden-red phoenix robe and wearing a phoenix crown adorned with pearls and gemstones, every detail of the Empress Dowager exudes her dignity and authority.
Hua Xiu and other Consorts bowed and curtsied in turn, softly chanting, "May the Empress dowager be blessed and safe." At this moment, Hua Xiu, although just one of many Consorts, appeared particularly natural and composed in her movements due to her innocent and straightforward nature.
After the greeting ceremony, Hua Xiu stood to the side, her gaze exploring and carefully observing every noble person present, including the Empress dowager. She observed their expressions, conversations, and even the slightest changes in their demeanor, hoping to discover some clues to unravel the mystery of her own identity.
Empress dowager smiled kindly and gently opened her lips, expressing concern: "All of you in Fengning Palace, please be filial and may the Weaving Cloud Dynasty prosper and the country be peaceful." Every word from Empress dowager seemed to highlight her responsibility as the mother of the nation.
Hua Xiu listened quietly nearby, feeling a sense of admiration in her heart. However, when her gaze swept over the Consort present, she found that everyone's faces were adorned with polite smiles, and their conversations were filled with trivial pleasantries, seemingly without any clues she was looking for.
This only deepened Hua Xiu's doubts, and she couldn't help but ponder in her heart: "Is all the splendor and tranquility before me just a superficial disguise? Where is the truth hidden?" Her eyes revealed determination, as if she had already made up her mind to find her true identity within this embroidered palace.
After the ceremony, Hua Xiu did not leave immediately, but chose to stay in a corner of Fengning Palace, quietly observing. At this moment, a palace maid hurried to Hua Xiu's side and whispered, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty has sent someone to summon you, saying there is an urgent matter to discuss. Please go to the study quickly."
Hua Xiu nodded, feeling somewhat puzzled about what "important matter" Yun Fuyi wanted to discuss with her. She left Fengning Palace and hurried towards the direction of the imperial study.
Entering the imperial study, a faint scent of books filled the air. Sunlight filtered through delicate window curtains, casting a soft glow on the tidy desk. Hua Xiu scanned the room and finally settled her gaze on Emperor Yun Fuyi who was sitting at the desk. His brow was lightly furrowed as he held a memorial in his hand, seemingly engrossed in its contents, exuding a calm and focused demeanor.
"Come in, Yun Fuyi," Hua Xiu said as she slowly raised her head, a soft light flashing in her deep, profound eyes before returning to their usual calmness. Gently placing the memorial in his hand, she gestured for Hua Xiu to sit in the chair opposite her, her tone carrying a subtle concern. "Xiu'er, has everything been going smoothly with your greetings?"
At the words, Hua Xiu's lips curled slightly, revealing a charming smile as she sat down. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes as she replied, "The Empress Dowager has been very kind to me, and everything has been going smoothly. However, the looks between the consorts have been quite interesting."
Yun Fuyi heard this and raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth. His voice carried a hint of indifference as he said, "Oh? The Fox Spirit in the Palace? How could that be interesting? Don't be deceived by their insincere intentions."
Hua Xiu, upon hearing Yun Fuyi's words, couldn't help but scoff and retort, "Everyone has their unique qualities, not everyone is as you say. Don't you have curiosity and tolerance towards others?"
Yun Fuyi listened and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes, seemingly taken aback by Hua Xiu's rebuttal. He leaned back in his chair, gazing deeply at Hua Xiu. After a moment, he responded lightly, "Perhaps I have seen too much of the wickedness in human hearts. But you, it seems, always manage to maintain a sense of purity."
Upon hearing Yun Fuyi's words, Hua Xiu couldn't help but feel a warmth in her heart, and a brighter smile appeared on her face. She softly said, "Perhaps it's because I believe that even in the darkest places, there is always light. And you, Your Majesty, perhaps should seek out that light more."
Yun Fuyi's expression appeared disapproving. Just as Hua Xiu was about to persuade further, at that moment, the study's door was gently pushed open once again.
At the moment when the study's door was gently pushed open, a calm aura entered with it, breaking the slightly tense atmosphere. The middle-aged man who entered, with a weathered yet dignified countenance, had deep and insightful eyes that seemed to see into the depths of one's soul. His court attire added to his imposing presence, yet his unhurried demeanor revealed his extraordinary refinement.
Hua Xiu recognized him at a glance. This was the famous courtier Drunken Smoke Marquis Xiao Chen, whom she had never met before. She immediately stood up, swift but graceful in her movements. Then she respectfully greeted Drunken Smoke Marquis Xiao Chen: "Greetings, The Marquis of Zuiyan."
When Xiao Chen's gaze fell on Hua Xiu, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, as if he was drawn to this exquisite and ethereal woman before him. His gaze lingered briefly on her face, and for that moment, it seemed as if the whole world stood still. However, Xiao Chen quickly regained his composure, smiled, and returned the greeting: "I didn't realize that Your Majesty was here. I have been impolite."
Hua Xiu couldn't help but feel puzzled, curiosity evident in her eyes. She didn't understand why The Marquis of Zuiyan would react to her in such a way. Her personality made her unwilling to hide her feelings, so she asked directly, " The Marquis of Zuiyan, I seem to have surprised you? Is there something I've done wrong?"
Upon hearing Hua Xiu's straightforward question, Xiao Chen smiled slightly. His voice was deep and magnetic as he replied, "Not at all, Your Majesty, there's no need to blame yourself. It's just that I never expected to encounter such a graceful and beautiful Your Majesty here. It is truly a fortunate event for our dynasty."
Hua Xiu heard Xiao Chen's poetic praise, and a smile couldn't help but appear on her face. Her smile carried a hint of innocence and brightness, yet it also exuded a unique cheerfulness. She softly said, "The Marquis of Zuiyan is too kind. I am just a simple woman, how can I live up to such high praise."
Seeing this, Yun Fuyi smiled slightly and said, "Xiu'er, The Marquis of Zuiyan is a trusted minister of mine. He came today to discuss some state affairs. If you have no other matters, you may go back first."
Hua Xiu Although she had many doubts in her heart, she knew it was not good to stay any longer. She could only respond with a sound and leave the study. Her heart was full of confusion, and the momentary reaction of The Marquis of Zuiyan made her feel unprecedentedly lost.
From then on, Hua Xiu became even more silent. She began to deliberately avoid Yun Fuyi and no longer shared her thoughts with him as usual. Every night, when it was quiet, Hua Xiu sat alone in the study, holding the ancient book that recorded the past of Lost Princess, her mind filled with endless thoughts.
She kept recalling the moment when Drunken Smoke Marquis Xiao Chen's expression changed, and couldn't help but feel a strange premonition in her heart. Perhaps, this The Marquis of Zuiyan had some connection to the mystery of her own identity. However, all of this still required Hua Xiu to seek the answers herself.
In the depths of the palace, every corner could hide unknown secrets, and every encounter could be a twist of fate. Hua Xiu understood that she must act more cautiously in order to find her own truth in this ornate and bustling world. And perhaps, it all began with that Drunken Smoke Marquis Xiao Chen.
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