Lu Hua held the handles of Zihao's wheelchair tightly, guiding him smoothly towards the grand banquet hall. Tonight, they both wore matching deep blue silk robes, their embroidery sparkling under the lantern light. A group of maids followed them quietly.
"You're sure about the mask?" Zihao asked softly, looking up at her. He still seemed a bit uncomfortable seeing her face in public.
Lu Hua smiled down at him, bright and open. "Absolutely sure! Let them see what they missed. Let them see how beautiful the Sixth Prince's wife really is!" She laughed, a happy sound that echoed in the hallway. "Besides, I'm tired of hiding."
Zihao's lips curved into a small, genuine smile.
As they turned a corner near the banquet hall, they almost bumped into another couple. The Crown Prince, Xuan Jianyu, stood tall and regal, holding his young son, about three years old, in one arm. His other hand gently held Crown Princess Meiyin's hand, who moved with careful grace because she was pregnant.
"Ah! Zihao! Lu Hua!" Jianyu said cheerfully, his face beaming. He set his son down, who quickly ran to Zihao's chair, hugging his uncle's leg and giggling. Jianyu stepped forward and gave Zihao a warm hug. "Looking sharp, little brother!"
Princess Meiyin smiled warmly. "Happy celebrations to you both. You look wonderful together." She touched her rounded belly gently.
"And to you," Lu Hua replied, smiling back. "You look radiant, Sister."
The Crown Prince picked up his son again and took his wife's hand. Together, the two royal couples walked to the grand doors of the banquet hall. The guards stood at attention when they saw them.
As the huge doors opened, the noise inside quieted down. The imperial announcer, standing just inside, took a deep breath and announced loudly:
"Announcing His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Xuan Jianyu; Her Imperial Highness, Crown Princess Meilin; and His Royal Highness, Prince Xuan Yuhao!"
The crowd murmured respectfully as the Crown Prince's family entered, receiving bows and nods.
The announcer paused for a breath and then continued, his voice even clearer:
"And announcing His Imperial Highness, Prince Xuan Zihao, the Sixth Prince; and His Highness's esteemed Consort, Princess Chun Lu Hua!"
Every eye in the hall turned towards them. Princes and princesses were already seated. Nobles wore their finest clothes. Dexiu, leaning against a pillar with a wine cup, froze. Rong Xianzong and his father, near a group of ministers, looked up quickly. Shen Yizhou, at a military family table, sat up straight.
A surprised silence filled the hall, even more than when the Crown Prince entered. Everyone stared at Lu Hua. Whispers spread fast.
"That's... that's Princess Lu Hua?"
"Without the mask..."
"But... she's... so beautiful..."
"Good heavens..."
The mask was gone. Under the chandeliers, Lu Hua's face was stunning – high cheeks, bright dark eyes, clear skin, and a confident look. Her matching robes with Zihao showed they were a team. She stood tall by his chair, looking regal, meeting all the surprised looks without blinking. The rumor of the "ugly" Princess Chun was broken in that moment.
Dexiu's hand gripped his wine cup tighter, his face showing jealousy and desire. Rong Xianzong stared, a look of regret on his face. Shen Yizhou looked amazed, remembering their meeting on the road.
Near a service entrance, hidden by a big decorative vase, the young servant boy from the corridor stood still, holding a tray. His eyes, wide and intense, were only on Lu Hua. A strange, intense light shone in them as he watched her before the whole court. His hands shook a little.
Lu Hua ignored the stares, focusing on guiding Zihao to their seats near the front. She felt the attention, the surprise, the whispers. But she felt proud. Let them see. Let them all see who Prince Zihao had married.
Before the whispers could calm down, the announcer's voice boomed again, quieting the hall completely:
"All rise! Announcing His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor; and Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress!"
At the grand banquet, platters of steaming food circulated, soft music played, and nobles chatted. In the center of the room, Lei Jun, a young scholar known for his intellect and simple life, sat stiffly beside his serious father, Minister Lei.
Lei Jun's chopsticks paused above a piece of duck. His gaze was fixed across the room, staring at Lu Hua. The Princess sat near Prince Zihao, her head slightly tilted as she listened to someone. Without her mask, her face shone in the lantern light, showing her beauty and smart eyes.
A quiet sigh slipped from Lei Jun. Suddenly, a sharp kick under the table made him jump. Minister Lei whispered sternly, "Jun! Close your mouth. You look like a fish. People are watching."
Lei Jun shut his mouth quickly, his face turning red. He looked down at his plate, but the image of Lu Hua stayed in his mind. He remembered their brief engagement. She had been veiled then, just fulfilling a duty. He, lost in his books, had felt annoyed by the idea of marriage. He had told everyone he wasn't interested, preferring his studies over a wife. But now, seeing her so lively and beautiful, he felt a sharp regret.
Nearby, Shen Yizhou sipped strong liquor, his face still bruised from a recent encounter. He couldn't take his eyes off Lu Hua. He had sent her back to her family after a cold ceremony, believing rumors without looking at her. Now, watching her, he felt a deep shame and a surprising longing. He had thrown away something precious.
At another table, Rong Xianzong tried to talk but kept looking at Lu Hua. He felt sick with regret. He had started the rumors about her, calling her ugly after seeing her tired once. He had rejected her publicly, losing a chance for wealth and favor. Now, seeing her as a princess, he felt foolish.
Dexiu leaned against a pillar, drinking wine, his eyes on Lu Hua. He was angry and jealous. He thought she should be with him, not Zihao. Her smile for Zihao made him furious. He saw others looking at her with regret or desire, and it only made his anger grow.
The room was lively with talk and dishes clinking. Crown Prince Jianyu stood and walked to the Emperor's table, bowing. "Honored Father," he said, "for your birthday, we give you this." He gave a long box to an attendant who opened it, showing an old sword. "The 'Dawnbreaker' from the Eastern Tombs. May it reflect your strength."
The Emperor's eyes lit up. "Jianyu, Meiyin, a wonderful gift!" He called his grandson over, bouncing him on his knee. "This is true joy! Jianyu knows his duty." He looked at Zihao and Lu Hua. "Zihao, you're married. Give me a grandchild too! Your brothers forget, but not Jianyu!"
The Empress smiled. "A new life is the best blessing." She looked at Lu Hua. "Lu Hua, any news?"
Lu Hua choked on her tea, coughing. Zihao froze, blushing. "No, Your Majesty," Lu Hua managed to say, her voice tight.
The Empress waved it off. "Soon, I'm sure!"
The awkwardness was thick. Dexiu crushed his cup, imagining Lu Hua pregnant. Shen Yizhou's regret deepened, and Rong Xianzong looked sick. Even Lei Jun felt uncomfortable.
Lu Hua stood up, regaining her calm. "Your Imperial Majesty, here's my gift."
Li Beihe brought a large, wrapped object. Lu Hua unwrapped it, revealing a painting of mountains and a river. As a breeze hit, tiny mechanical birds in the painting fluttered, and water in the river seemed to flow.
Everyone gasped. The Emperor's grandson pointed, "Birds! Water moving, Grandfather!"
The Emperor laughed with delight. "By the heavens! Lu Hua, this is extraordinary!" He looked at her with admiration. "Such cleverness! You have a remarkable mind, daughter!"
Lu Hua bowed, relieved. "I'm honored you like it, Your Majesty." She caught Zihao's eye; he was proud and amazed.