Chapter 8

The morning after the banquet.

As my father had planned, letters began to arrive from those who wished to take me as a bride.

By chance, my brother, who was busy entertaining the messengers, was in the mansion, while I secluded myself in my room.

I was sulking because everything was proceeding according to my father's wishes.

Mother had taken my young brother out to admire the flowers and had told the servants to leave me alone.

Mother seemed to have her own thoughts about my father's methods, but she also felt that if it led to a good match, it would be for the best.

Her feelings as a woman and as a mother seemed to be different.

Indeed, the prospect of marrying into the Li family was almost gone.

If a good match could really be found, perhaps all my anger and dissatisfaction would wash away.

But, but, even so!

I felt a sense of unease in my heart, and I couldn't find a place to vent my anger.

"Ha..."

Another sigh, I don't know how many times I've done it.

On the bed, I sprawled out without caring if my sleeves and hem got wrinkled.

Next to my pillow was the erhu I borrowed yesterday.

The senior official who lent it to me couldn't be found, and when I asked others, they only said, "Take it home."

I would return it later through my brother.

Feeling down, I didn't even feel like playing the erhu.

The sun was already high, and the trees, with their vibrant green, looked refreshing.

Yet, I sat on the bed aimlessly, staring out the window.

I felt like a deflated doll.

Just as I was thinking this, the sound of someone running hurriedly down the corridor reached my ears.

– Thump thump thump!

"Lin Feng! Get ready quickly!"

It was my brother who burst into the room.

In his hand was a wooden tablet.

I recognized it as something used to summon people to the palace.

When my brother was summoned at night, a messenger with this tablet would come.

But why me?

My brother, who was confused, grabbed my arm forcefully, ordered a female servant to prepare my clothes, and called for the old hairdresser.

"We are heading to the palace! Dress Lin Feng in something splendid! Make her the most beautiful woman in Guangyan!"

"Brother!?"

"Make her look gentle and pure, with not a hint of her strong personality showing!"

"That's a bit harsh, coming out of nowhere like that."

The servants, following my brother's orders, began to prepare.

"We understand."

Before I knew it, I was dressed, my hair was styled, and I was carefully made up.

Once everything was ready, my brother was waiting by the ox cart, holding the case of the erhu I had borrowed.

"Brother? Are you going to return this?"

If you're going to return it, why do I need to be dressed up and go to the palace?

Looking puzzled, my brother smiled and denied it.

"This is now Lin Feng's. Lord Cang Lian said he would give it to you."

"Eh? Why would Lord Cang Lian?"

I understand, but since it's a palace erhu, it belongs to Lord Cang Lian, right?

But why would Lord Cang Lian know about the erhu?

There should be a department that manages events like the cultural hall, so that's why I'm confused.

My brother pushed me into the ox cart, saying, "You'll hear the details from him," and closed the door.

"Don't worry, Lord Cang Lian is a good person. When we arrive at the palace, Father will also be present for the audience, so there's no need to worry."

"Huh!?"

That was all I heard from my brother before the door was closed, and his figure disappeared.

I was apparently being taken to the palace with the erhu case.

Lord Cang Lian summoned me?

At the palace, I will have an audience with Lord Cang Lian along with Father. That's all the information I have for now.

There's no way I was chosen as the Empress.

Lord Cang Lian took a liking to me?

No way... But since he's known to be a womanizer, it's not entirely impossible?

"What should I do?"

Surely, he's not going to make me a plaything out of a passing fancy!?

It's common for ladies-in-waiting and servants to be taken advantage of by those of high status.

No, no, no, it's fine.

No matter what, my brother would stop it. And the fact that Father will be present is proof that it's not like that.

I have no intention of marrying, nor do I want to be played with.

In that situation, what is the reason for today's summons?

Repeating self-questions, the only conclusion I reached during the ride to the palace was –

I have no idea at all!

When we arrived at the palace, the lady-in-waiting who had fixed my hairpin yesterday greeted me.

"Welcome."

She bowed respectfully, and the other ladies-in-waiting around her bowed in unison.

Eh? What's with this special treatment?

Even as the daughter of one of the Five Great Families, this seems a bit much.

I felt a growing sense of fear and tension.

"Please, treat me well...?"

I don't even know what I'm asking for.

Even as I said it, I didn't understand the meaning of my words.

I forced a smile and got out of the ox cart.

Ah, in front of me was the main hall with its red roof, shining brightly. It was even more prominent than the harem I visited yesterday, exuding an overwhelming presence.

Even my father, who I found so infuriating, made me want to see him quickly.

"From here, I will guide you."

In front of me stood a robust man in the attire of a senior military official.

He had a scar above his left eye and a rough, battle-hardened aura.

At first glance, it looked like I was being escorted, but he was probably my guard.

Although Lord Cang Lian's intentions were unclear, the fact that he provided a guard in the palace showed a sense of respect.

I carried the erhu case and entered the main hall with the robust military official.