Chapter 39

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Gu Yan Fei casually brushed aside a strand of hair blown against her cheek, revealing her elegant jawline and a delicate, lotus-pink neck. Her chin tilted slightly upward, and her expression carried an air of nonchalance.

Inside the Zhuoxin Pavilion, the atmosphere grew restless.

Many of the attendees had already heard rumors that the Empress Dowager might visit today, but they hadn’t expected her to actually appear.

Judging by the Empress Dowager’s understated attire, it was clear that she intended this to be a low-profile outing. Accompanied by the Jing Wangfei, she had entered quietly, signaling that she had no desire to interrupt the polo match. Consequently, the attendees remained seated, refraining from rising to greet her and pretending not to notice.

Still, their gazes involuntarily drifted toward the Empress Dowager. A collective thought echoed in their minds: The rumors that she’s here to choose a bride for Kang Wang seem more likely than ever.

The current Empress Dowager’s surname was Yuan, and she was the late Emperor’s second consort. She hailed from the illustrious Yuan family of Yangzhou, a renowned and powerful lineage.

Since the previous dynasty, the Yuan family had been one of the most prominent clans, holding unparalleled influence in Yangzhou.

The Yuan family had flourished for over three centuries, producing many high-ranking officials and distinguished figures. The family’s influence extended beyond the imperial court, earning considerable respect and renown among the common people.

The Empress Dowager Yuan, fifteen years younger than the late Emperor, had been deeply cherished upon entering the palace. She bore him his youngest son, Kang Wang, and during the Emperor’s later years, there were even murmurs of deposing the Crown Prince in favor of Kang Wang, highlighting the Emperor’s favoritism.

Under the intense gazes of the onlookers, the Empress Dowager gracefully took a seat on a carved zitan armchair. Her every movement was so elegant and precise it seemed as though they had been measured with a ruler.

On the polo field, youthful figures dashed about on horseback, charging with electrifying speed. Players from both teams clashed fiercely, neither side willing to yield as they pursued the solitary polo ball.

The Jing Wangfei, seated beside the Empress Dowager, leaned closer and spoke in a soft voice, her tone calm and measured:

“Your Majesty, the young lady in red on the chestnut horse is the eldest daughter of General Hong from the Longhu Commandery.”

“And the young lady in pink is the second daughter of Governor He of Jizhou.”

“…”

The Jing Wangfei casually introduced several noble young women on the field, each hailing from prestigious and illustrious families.

The Empress Dowager raised an exquisite pastel enamel teacup adorned with plum, orchid, and bamboo motifs. With deliberate care, she used the lid to skim away the tea leaves floating on the surface, her actions unhurried. Her expression suggested she was listening intently, though there was a thoughtful air as if she were lost in contemplation.

Smack!

On the field, Kang Wang’s sharp eyes spotted the ball, and with a swift and powerful strike, he sent it hurtling toward Gu Yun Rong. She responded with perfect timing, swinging her mallet to intercept and redirect the ball straight into the goal.

The score was tied once more.

Cheers erupted from the spectators, applause filling the air, but the faint smile on the Empress Dowager Yuan’s lips stiffened slightly.

Noticing her reaction, an elderly nanny dressed in a rust-colored jacket leaned down and whispered in her ear, “That is the second young lady of the Marquis of Dingyuan Residence, Gu Yun Rong.”

The Empress Dowager’s hand paused briefly in the act of stirring her tea. She set the cup down without a word, her expression unreadable as her gaze shifted between Kang Wang and Gu Yun Rong.

This was her first time seeing Gu Yun Rong in person. She felt neither favor nor distaste for the girl—but Kang Wang’s infatuation was evident.

Her brow furrowed slightly as she recalled her son’s words from two months ago: “Mother, I wish to take the second young lady of the Yongding Hou Residence as my principal wife. Please, grant me this wish.”

At the time, the Empress Dowager had ordered a discreet investigation into Gu Yun Rong and discovered her longstanding betrothal to the heir of the Duke of Ying.

The knowledge left her displeased. Yet, as no one knew her son better than she did, she understood his stubborn nature all too well. Once Kang Wang set his sights on something—or someone—he would stop at nothing to get it, even if it meant running headfirst into a brick wall.

Unwilling to create a rift between them, the Empress Dowager had chosen not to oppose him outright. She had resolved to delay the matter for a time, intending to make a decision later.

But—

She never could have anticipated that the Crown Prince, Chu Yi, would return alive.

Chu Yi had only recently returned to the court after years spent as a political hostage. He had yet to establish a solid foothold. Both the imperial nobles and the aristocracy were carefully observing him, unsure of this prince who had lived in the shadows for so long. The Emperor having an heir was a direct threat to the future prospects of her and Kang Wang.

Kang Wang needed strong allies. Yet, the Marquis of Dingyuan Residence had been in decline since Gu Ce’s death. Now, it held little sway in court and wielded no significant power.

“Ah!”

Suddenly, a series of gasps arose from the bamboo pavilion, snapping the Empress Dowager’s attention back to the present.

On the polo field, the white ball streaked toward Gu Yun Rong, fast as a shooting star, its trajectory sharp and merciless. The danger grew imminent. Gu Yun Rong’s expression shifted slightly, her usual composure slipping. In the next instant, a figure in purple surged forward like lightning, placing himself between her and the ball.

Thud!

The ball struck the man’s back with a forceful sound, rebounding violently and soaring high into the clear blue sky.

The Empress Dowager’s eyes widened in shock. The pain in her son’s body felt like it struck her own heart. The Empress Dowager Yuan nearly lost her composure, almost rising to her feet as if the blow had hit her instead. She wanted to call for a pause, but her voice caught when she saw Kang Wang, completely ignoring his injury, immediately rushing to check on Gu Yun Rong.

She was momentarily speechless, her carefully manicured nails digging into her palms.

He’s completely bewitched!

Dark emotions surged in her gaze as the scene replayed over and over in her mind. The rest of the match passed in a haze, her attention unfocused.

Clang!

The sharp ring of the final gong jolted her from her thoughts. She refocused on the field and saw that the match had concluded.

The score stood at 10–10, a draw.

The result surprised the spectators, leaving some feeling a sense of incompleteness. Yet, most were delighted by the friendly outcome. For the majority of attendees, the game had never been about winning or losing. They laughed and chatted as they left the field, their earlier competitiveness replaced by cheerful camaraderie.

As they exited the polo grounds, Gu Yun Rong dismounted her horse with practiced ease. Kang Wang followed close behind, leaping down with his gaze fixed firmly on her.

The match had drained much of Gu Yun Rong’s stamina. Her breathing was still uneven, her delicate, fair face tinged with a faint blush. The rosy hue lent her a captivating charm, making her appear even more alluring in her moment of exhaustion.

“Rong’er,” Kang Wang called softly, reaching out to take Gu Yun Rong’s hand and lead her to the Empress Dowager. However, Gu Yun Rong sidestepped swiftly, her lashes fluttering as her eyes dropped slightly.

Kang Wang’s sharp, hawk-like eyes narrowed. Moving even faster, he firmly grasped her wrist this time, his hold unyielding. Without hesitation, he strode forward with her in tow, heading straight toward the Empress Dowager.

The scene didn’t escape the notice of those around them. The crowd collectively held its breath, their gazes fixed on the pair. Reactions varied, but no one spoke. It was as if all the noise had been sucked from the air, leaving only an unnatural silence.

The Empress Dowager watched the approaching pair, their distance shrinking with each step. Her youthful, alabaster fingers tightened around the armrest of her chair. A faint premonition crept into her mind, and her frown deepened.

Under the scrutinizing eyes of the spectators, Kang Wang stopped before the Empress Dowager. His grip on Gu Yun Rong’s hand was firm, his posture exuding an air of imperious confidence. His expression combined a mix of defiance, as if he could conquer the world, and reverence, as though he were presenting a priceless treasure.

“Mother,” he began, bowing respectfully to the Empress Dowager, his voice clear and resolute. “Your son wishes to take Gu Yun Rong as his princess consort. I ask for your blessing!”

Gu Yun Rong stood at his side, her eyes widening slightly as she gazed up at his sharply defined profile, as if carved from stone.

He was always proud, distant, and wild—except when it came to her. To her, he showed only tenderness and care, his sincerity evident.

This side of him stirred a deep emotion within her, leaving her especially moved.