"Young Master, it's about time." Xue Yi looked at Caelen, whose face was tense and movements stiff. He sighed deeply in his heart. At least he had finally figured out why the young master had been so distracted lately.
But Xue Yi couldn't feel happy about it. He thought to himself, those Xylira and Xiyan must have done it on purpose. They clearly knew what kind of state the young master was in, yet still invited him to the Qixi Gathering. Wasn't it just to watch him be humiliated?
When Xue Yi said this out loud, Caelen glanced at him and replied with four words, "Petty-minded thinking." Still, now fully dressed, Caelen was undeniably nervous. When he heard Xue Yi's reminder, he pressed his lips together and said, "Wait a bit longer."
On the other side, "Brother, you look so handsome." After waking up this morning, Xylira had applied light makeup and put on a sky-blue embroidered long dress with a cinched waist. She styled her hair to match Xiyan's and used a similar-colored ribbon to loosely tie it back.
Just after having breakfast prepared, she saw Xiyan walk in. He looked her over from head to toe and laughed cheerfully as he spoke. Xiyan, influenced by her mood, felt much happier. Looking at his sister, dressed exactly like himself, he was genuinely pleased.
However, he still said, "Xylira, aren't you dressed too plainly?" "Brother, I'm not the main person today, so this is fine," Xylira replied carelessly. Her words puzzled Xiyan a little.
Wasn't Xylira hoping to see Caelen? Since they already had the invitation, the siblings took their time with breakfast. When there was really nothing left to do, they finally set out.
"Xylira, aren't you bringing a servant?" Xylira shook her head. "Brother, you shouldn't either. The Qixi Garden isn't our home. If anything happens, it'll be troublesome."
Her words made even Awen, Awu and Axin freeze for a moment. Anyone with sense could understand what she meant. "Besides, I've got you with me, haven't I?" Xylira raised an eyebrow.
It was the first time since arriving in this world that she was stepping out. She was in such a good mood that even her usual calm smile became more vivid. "Mhm," Xiyan naturally wouldn't go against her wishes.
The Qixi Garden was a royal garden located about five li north of Kang City. As the carriage swayed along, the siblings chatted happily, and the trip seemed to pass quickly. At the garden gate, soldiers dressed in black uniforms and wearing armor stood on both sides of the path, long sabers at their waists and spears in their hands.
Their serious expressions weren't affected by the blazing sun. Their presence alone silenced the crowd, keeping any onlookers from making a fuss. The siblings had arrived quite late, so they didn't attract much attention from the tired crowd.
"Xylira, get down." Xylira looked at the hand stretched out in front of her. The eyes visible above the mask curved into charming crescent shapes. She took the hand and stepped down smoothly, then naturally linked arms with Xiyan as if she had done it many times before.
When they handed over the invitation, the gatekeeper was a little surprised to see the siblings. "Hurry inside. The garden tour will start in half an hour. Today, the Emperor, the Empress, the Third Prince, and the Fourth Prince will all be attending."
"Thank you." No matter the reason for the reminder, Xiyan's response was neither cold nor overly flattering. Once inside the garden, the siblings didn't head toward the crowded areas.
Instead, they wandered around the quieter spots, keeping a low profile. As expected of a royal garden, the place had elegant pavilions and towers with a classical charm. The perfect blend of nature and craftsmanship.
The siblings genuinely felt like enjoying the garden. However, when the Emperor appeared, they had no choice but to head to the main hall to greet him. The previously lively scene instantly fell silent.
As for kneeling, Xylira had no hesitation at all. In her mind, Heaven, Earth, Emperor, Parents, and Teachers deserved proper respect. Bowing to the Emperor was only natural.
Zhaoye sat on the dragon throne, repeating the same blessings he gave every year. Looking at the neatly seated crowd below, if he hadn't told someone to keep an eye out, he would never have found Caelen or the Yue siblings.
Noticing that the three of them were sitting in an extremely hidden spot, all with heads lowered, trying to avoid attention, he felt puzzled. Had he unknowingly arranged a match made in heaven? Just look at the three of them, clearly acting like a family.
Hmph, if they want to stay low-key, they'll have to see whether he allows it. If they slipped by unnoticed, what would all his previous effort amount to? With his mind made up, Zhaoye's fake smile suddenly became more genuine.
His phoenix eyes glanced at Lady Mei Lin's table as he spoke warmly, "I've arranged marriages for both of your daughters, but I haven't seen them yet. Are they here today?" Perhaps because of the garden's design, Zhaoye's voice wasn't loud, but it still carried to every corner of the courtyard.
Upon hearing this, Xylira, who had been sitting quietly beside her brother, froze. Because of her appearance, she had expected that the Jiang family wouldn't bother her today. Others, out of respect for the Prime Minister, wouldn't cause trouble either.
But what was wrong with the Emperor? Why was he suddenly asking whether they were here? The Yue siblings both turned pale. Meanwhile, Caelen, who had been unable to spot Xiyan or Xylira among the Jiang family, felt a bit relieved but also slightly disappointed.
Upon hearing the Emperor's words, his attention returned immediately to that area. Lady Mei Lin's expression turned odd. She knew that the Yue siblings had arrived.
"Brother, both Evelyne and Xylira came, but Xylira has never attended an event like this before. I was worried her inexperience might dampen your mood." Lady Mei Lin's little scheme meant nothing in front of an emperor like Zhaoye.
"It's fine. Since it's a marriage I arranged, she should come forward and give thanks. On such a good day, even if she's a bit improper, I won't blame her." Well, now no one dared say anything.
The entire place fell into a tense silence. Everyone had their own thoughts, but no one would dare stop what the Emperor had just demanded. Xylira gave a bitter smile.
This Emperor really didn't know when to stop. If she had known Caelen had to go all the way to the palace to request permission just to get the invitation, she might have described herself with just four words, brought this on myself.
She lightly tapped the back of Xiyan's hand and stood up. Caelen gripped his cup tightly. In that moment, his eyes could only see the sky-blue figure.
Though her face was hidden behind a veil, unlike the other women who showed off their skin, the only things exposed were her long-lashed eyes and pale, jade-like hands. This was Xylira. His fiancée.
The thought rang clearly in his mind. Even though he had tried to prepare himself, seeing her in person still shook him deeply. He knew he shouldn't stare, but his eyes followed her movements without hesitation.
Her graceful and noble presence stood out as she walked alone down the wide path. Looking closer, he noticed that her steps were steady and even, each one matching the last in length.
No matter what her face looked like beneath the veil, Caelen was sure. She was an exceptional young woman.
The entire venue fell into complete silence. Everyone's eyes focused on Xylira, with expressions ranging from admiration and curiosity to cold amusement and jealousy.
But those fiery stares didn't affect Xylira's actions in the slightest.
"Commoner Xylira greets His Majesty." She knelt without pause, her voice clear and pleasant without a trace of trembling, showing neither fear nor excitement.
Zhaoye's attention had been locked on Caelen ever since he made that comment.
Though Caelen's expression remained calm, every subtle hand movement, eye shift and flicker of emotion was caught by Zhaoye's sharp gaze.
Hmm, could it be that Caelen truly fancies Xylira?
Did I wrongly blame Lord Edgar, thinking he used Caelen to stop Lady Evelyne from marrying him?
Is it possible Edgar genuinely wished to repay kindness?
No, the moment this thought appeared it was crushed instantly.
Zhaoye knew Edgar too well.
So the real matter must lie between Caelen and Xylira.
Caelen's reactions pleased Zhaoye.
Until Xylira's voice brought him back to the present, and he realized everyone's attention was still on her, especially the faces from the prime minister's family, whose expressions were rather intriguing.
Seeing Xylira kneeling on the ground, even Zhaoye couldn't help admiring her.
In the scorching summer heat, her simple and refreshing attire was far more pleasing than those lavishly adorned women.
Still, admiration remained just that.
Zhaoye stayed silent, only glancing at the increasingly tense Caelen, whose forehead had begun to sweat.
Ah, I see you, Caelen.
The cup in your hand has a visible crack, and yes, this visit wasn't in vain.
Since the person kneeling was a woman, Zhaoye couldn't go too far.
"Rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Xylira didn't understand what wind had blown through the emperor's mind to trouble her like this.
But thanks to physical training and the punishment traditions in the Yue household, kneeling for a short while didn't bother her at all.
She stood up just as smoothly and cleanly as she had knelt, which even left Zhaoye a little stunned.
"Xylira, why are you wearing a veil?"
"Your Majesty, I'm wearing it to protect my skin from sunburn."
Xylira could lie to others, but in front of the emperor, she had to be careful.
Lying to the emperor might not cost her head, but it could bring trouble for her brother and Caelen.
Most people didn't believe that reason.
But the intense sunlight and Great Kang's customs made it hard for even the emperor, a man, to ask her to remove it.
"In that case, you may step back."
Zhaoye stared at Xylira standing below.
No wonder the prime minister's second daughter was unknown.
Her body looked thin and weak, not quite healthy, which made Zhaoye lose interest and ignore the odd feeling inside.
Xylira didn't relax until she sat down beside Xiyan again.
Zhaoye's formal tone still echoed in her ears.
As for that gaze that occasionally landed on her, she felt helpless and a little shy.
Inwardly, she complained, Caelen, aren't you being too impatient? Can't you feel my brother's icy glare?
Caelen truly hadn't noticed Xiyan's gaze.
He knew they would talk eventually since Xylira had invited him, so there was no need to rush.
Still, he couldn't control his eyes from drifting toward her.
Everyone else, including Xiyan, became background to him.
Xylira couldn't bear watching her brother fume.
She looked up and instantly caught Caelen's gaze.
Just as she was about to glare and warn him, Caelen looked away in surprise.
If her eyes weren't deceiving her, his steady gaze had turned completely bashful.
Standing behind Caelen, Xue Yi was growing anxious for his young master.
Just now he looked like someone experiencing love for the first time.
Now he wanted to roll his eyes.
One glance from Miss Xylira and the young master's ears turned red. What kind of heroic general behaves like this?
Caelen didn't care what others thought.
His heart had never beat this fast before.
The pounding in his chest drowned out the emperor's voice.
He couldn't forget those bright eyes looking directly at him.
Flustered, he quickly looked away, reluctant though he was.
He understood he was at a disadvantage in this silent gaze exchange.
If it continued, he might die from embarrassment.
Xiyan had been staring at Caelen, warning him not to seduce his sister.
But now even he was stunned.
He saw the smile forming at Xylira's eyes and understood.
His little sister really knew how to handle things.
Zhaoye, having talked so much that his mouth was dry, felt off balance watching the flirtation.
He ended the formalities and announced the start of the annual talent showcase at the Qixi Garden.
When the large round platform appeared in the clearing, Xylira and Xiyan were confused.
What did the emperor mean just now?
Anyone interested in someone could go on stage and express their feelings through performance?
Seeing the eager participants, Xylira realized this was also a way to gain recognition.
Even if they didn't find love, it was a chance to shine.
Still, Zhaoye's frequent glances and Lady Evelyne's smug smile gave her a bad feeling.
"Brother, this doesn't concern us, right?" she asked uncertainly.
"Relax. Participation is voluntary.
You're a girl, Xylira. If you don't want to, no one can force you." Xiyan's firm response comforted her.
She then focused on watching the performances.
It was obvious there was a wide gap between the men and women.
Watching the women perform felt like watching clowns or skits.
Xylira struggled to hold back her laughter.
By now she fully believed this world was male-dominated in every skill, including music, calligraphy and painting.
Some of the men singing love songs matched modern-day pop idols in passion and emotion.
After a while, fearing she might laugh aloud or be disgusted by the overly busty women and throw up her breakfast, she looked away.
Secretly, she observed her fiancé.
Pouting, she thought, He's not as ugly as the rumors claimed.
Sharp features, deep-set eyes, a strong body carrying the aura of a soldier.
Even the scar running across his left cheek looked bold and charismatic.
With that shy personality, she thought, Tsk tsk, whether by grandma's or grandpa's standards, he fit perfectly as her chosen husband.
She also had to admit with some shyness, he suited her taste.
Those handsome men on stage with different styles lacked that iron-blooded solemnity and intimidating presence Caelen had.
Even if others were more qualified, they weren't her type.
Growing up in a military family had shaped her preferences.
Caelen, finally calming his heart rate, tried sneaking glances again.
Every time he did, he met Xylira's smiling gaze.
His heart would instantly race again.
Though he had just experienced it, he still panicked and looked away.
Then he'd get curious again and peek using all kinds of excuses.
Yet he was always caught by Xylira, turning his face red.
Meanwhile, she enjoyed this game of chase and dodge.
Especially seeing Caelen, a grown man, act all flustered and shy, she found it amusing.
Are you two done yet?
Watching this back-and-forth, even Zhaoye started getting bored despite finding Caelen's reactions entertaining at first.
Caelen never believed he had wronged or offended anyone.
But in court, everyone had enemies.
Now that he was disfigured and still dared show up at the Qixi event, people couldn't help but speculate.
Especially with Zhaoye's frequent glances.
Did the emperor want Caelen to perform too?
Earlier the Third Prince played a song for Lady Evelyne, and now she was playing the same one back, though poorly.
Yet, on the day of the imperial engagement, Caelen and Xylira hadn't expressed anything.
People planned to provoke him once Lady Evelyne left the stage.
Apparently, she had the same idea.
Xylira had taken her spotlight. Now she wanted to humiliate her fiancé.
"General Caelen, this is almost over. Why haven't you prepared anything?
Do you not like my sister?"
She raised her brow, acting like a concerned elder sister questioning him.
But the malice in her eyes was clear as day.