Chapter 65: Surprise

"Go ahead," Feng Yewu said, never once doubting Zhao Xiyan's identity.

With Feng Yewu's permission granted, Zhao Xiyan adopted a pitiful, fragile demeanor.

"I am but a humble commoner, unworthy of the Prince of Pingyi. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider."

Having spoken, Zhao Xiyan hurriedly bowed and knocked her head to the floor, appearing deeply aggrieved.

"Your Majesty, my request is not made lightly. There is more to this matter than meets the eye," Wei Siyuan declared confidently, standing tall and gazing at Feng Yewu.

Meanwhile, Wang Changgen, upon hearing Wei Siyuan's mention of hidden matters, became utterly unsettled, his soul nearly fleeing his body.

Terrified, Wang Changgen stared at Wei Siyuan, unable to fathom why he would seek to ruin him so thoroughly.

Below, Zhao Xiyan knelt and bowed, her heart steeled for death, even contemplating how she might seize Feng Yewu as a hostage.

Seeing Wang Changgen's wide-eyed terror, Wei Siyuan assumed he was amazed at his deduction of their relationship, and became all the more righteous.

"Oh? Then I am curious to hear what secrets the Prince of Beichang has to reveal," Feng Yewu replied with a faint smile, a gleam in her eyes. It seemed Wei Siyuan and Wang Changgen were at odds, and some leverage had been gained.

"This was once a love story. Alas, the Prince of Pingyi and this dancer are separated by their stations, and thus he denies it outright."

Feng Yewu was stunned by Wei Siyuan's words. What she had expected to be a scheme of entrapment now turned into a tale of romance. In her memories of the previous life, this episode had never occurred.

"Prince of Pingyi, is what the Prince of Beichang says true?" Feng Yewu asked Wang Changgen, her gaze complex.

Wei Siyuan's words furrowed Feng Yewu's brow, and she found herself recalling her own feelings for Lu Jue.

Prince Pingyi was bewildered; where had this supposed romance come from? He had no idea how to respond and looked questioningly at Wei Siyuan.

Wei Siyuan, however, gave him a mischievous smile, even winking at him.

"Prince of Pingyi, do you genuinely love this woman, yet hesitate because of her status?" Feng Yewu's gaze was serious now, her mind resolved: if it was as Wei Siyuan claimed, she would personally grant them marriage.

"This... is indeed as the Prince of Beichang says. I have long been in love with her."

Prince Pingyi knew he could no longer deny it. Otherwise, Feng Yewu and Wei Siyuan, being so shrewd, would begin to suspect Zhao Xiyan's identity.

"Is the Prince of Pingyi telling the truth?" Feng Yewu turned to Zhao Xiyan below, seeking confirmation.

"It is so," Zhao Xiyan replied, her heart settling at last, for Wei Siyuan's words had not matched her own fears.

"Who would have thought the Prince of Pingyi possessed such charm? Since you are so well-matched in affection, I shall grant you marriage," Feng Yewu said calmly, agreeing to the union. Yet her mood was tinged with sorrow.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your gracious decree."

The two princes and Zhao Xiyan bowed together in gratitude.

On the stage, the dance had ended, leaving the audience somewhat unsatisfied. None had anticipated such drama to follow.

From her seat among the envoys, Gunaro witnessed the scene, her beautiful eyes brimming with tears. She dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, sobbing and sighing.

"This is so moving! Utterly moving! Such love, so magnificent!"

Gunaro's exaggerated expression left the nearby barbarian prince stunned, and even the maids around them could not help but giggle.

"You... mind your manners. You are a princess of our tribe," the prince finally whispered in admonishment, unable to bear the embarrassment any longer.

"Why? It's so touching—I can't even cry?" Gunaro pouted, quickly shedding her pitiful look and sulking.

"Ah," the prince sighed helplessly, both amused and exasperated.

He had barely regained his composure when Gunaro began acting up again.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Seeing Gunaro suddenly rise and dash toward Feng Yewu, the prince was alarmed and tried to stop her.

But Gunaro was too swift, and the prince, unwilling to make a scene, could not intercept her.

"I'm off to do a good deed!" Gunaro called back over her shoulder, leaving the entire barbarian envoy on edge as she arrived at Feng Yewu's side.

"Your Majesty, the barbarian princess requests an audience, saying she has urgent business," Mingde, the eunuch, announced.

Feng Yewu was still immersed in thoughts of Lu Jue, the joys of the feast dulled by the wine she had consumed. She found herself unable to control her emotions, Lu Jue's face lingering in her mind.

When Mingde suddenly whispered about Gunaro, Feng Yewu hastily returned to herself.

"The barbarian princess?"

Feng Yewu's brow creased; she had little desire to meet this guest.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. She says there is an important matter to discuss," Mingde replied, bowing.

"Hey! Your Majesty, I have something to say! It's very important—a secret!" Gunaro, unable to wait for Feng Yewu's reply, jumped up from below the stage, waving and shouting. Her loud voice drew everyone's attention.

Could there be another story?

After witnessing the romance between the Prince of Pingyi and Zhao Xiyan, the crowd was now eager for the unexpected appearance of Gunaro.

This is a disaster! The barbarian prince's face turned pale as his heart sank. Gunaro had always been mischievous, but this was an utter breach of etiquette—shouting in such a solemn setting was a grave offense against the emperor.

"Such an important matter, you needn't advertise it so loudly... this... secret..." The prince held his head, nearly exploding with frustration, utterly speechless.

Feng Yewu, regarding Gunaro as a delightful oddity, was both amused and exasperated.

"No need to stop her—let her come," Feng Yewu said.

With permission granted, Gunaro hurried over and sat cross-legged at Feng Yewu's feet, scanning the room with a nervous, secretive air.

Yet, with all eyes upon her, any attempt at discretion was futile.

"Ah, no need for such precautions. Even if it were truly a secret, your shouting has ensured everyone knows," Feng Yewu said, shaking her head in resignation.

"Hee hee, Your Majesty, I have a surprise for you!" Gunaro declared proudly, her slender brows dancing in excitement.