As soon as they got to the library, Ruyi freed her hand from his grasp.
"Prince Jingxuan, what do you mean by this?" she asked.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you," he apologized.
"So you needed me to get away from your childhood sweetheart," Ruyi said bluntly.
Sun Jingxuan's brows furrowed. "You—"
"You what? Ain't I right?" Ruyi questioned.
Liu Yi and Xiao Lan chuckled.
"What are you laughing at?" Sun Jingxuan and Ruyi asked at the same time. They then looked at each other, both furious.
"We'll leave you two to talk," Liu Yi offered, turning to leave the room.
"Yes, Miss Ruyi. I'll wait right outside," Xiao Lan added, following after him.
"What do you want?" Ruyi inquired.
Sun Jingxuan smiled before replying. "You said you weren't going to hide anything from me, but it appears you are now."
"What do you mean?" Ruyi demanded.
"You know exactly what I mean," Sun Jingxuan retorted.
Ruyi smiled, then began to circle him slowly. "You're curious about why Her Grace asked to see me, aren't you? Don't worry—she isn't planning anything yet. She only wants me to perform a dance at the Imperial Archery Tournament."
"A dance?" Sun Jingxuan asked, surprise lacing his tone."
"Yes," Ruyi replied. But, not just any type of dance—it's a sword dance."
"Oh?" Sun Jingxuan scoffed. "She knows the Prince of Yun state likes this kind of dance especially. What exactly is she up to?"
"I don't care what she's up to. I just know she's giving me an opportunity, and I plan to use it well. I told you before—I want to be Empress, and I'll stop at nothing to make it happen. My target is your King Father, but put your mind at ease, I don't mean him any harm. He's merely an important piece on my chess board."
Sun Jingxuan chuckled.
"What are you laughing at?!" Ruyi snapped.
"You? Empress?" Sun Jingxuan mocked.
"What? Do you think I'm not worthy, or do you think I don't have what it takes?" Ruyi asked.
"None of it," he replied. "It's just that all of this depends on my father. He's a man of principle—nothing escapes his notice. I don't think he can devote himself to anyone after my late Queen Mother. You can't deceive him."
"Who says I want his devotion?" She leaned closer to him. "What if I told you I'm already one step ahead?"
He offered her a faint smile, then caught her hand and drew her towards him.
She landed on his lap, their faces barely an inch apart. Her breath quickened as she stared into his bright brown eyes.
She struggled against his hold. "You— Let me go"
But he tightened his grip. "What? Didn't you start it?"
"I was just joking with you," she retorted.
"How fierce," he muttered.
She then broke into a seductive smile. "Your Highness, don't tell me seductive girls are your type," she said, touching his chest.
He swallowed hard, his body tensing. "What are you doing?" He whispered.
"Miss…"
Xiao Lan and Liu Yi interrupted them, pushing the door open.
"Sorry," they both said, hurriedly covering their eyes.
Ruyi jumped off his lap, and both she and Sun Jingxuan looked around awkwardly, searching for something else to focus on.
"I…" Ruyi cleared her throat. "What is it?" She turned to Xiao Lan.
"It's time to go home. The carriage is already outside," Xiao Lan explained.
"Oh, alright." She turned to face Sun Jingxuan. "I'll be taking my leave then. See you."
"Alright. Take care, Miss Xu," Sun Jingxuan said.
Miss Xu. Ruyi thought, smiling falsely, an angry glint in her eyes.
She left the room with Xiao Lan, hurrying towards her carriage.
Throughout the carriage ride, Ruyi kept murmuring, "Miss Xu," scoffing each time.
Xiao Lan glanced at her. "Miss Ruyi? Are you okay? You've been murmuring since we left."
"I'm fine!" she replied irritably.
"Don't tell me you actually like the Crown Prince," Xiao Lan stated.
Ruyi scoffed. "Him? No way! How could I like that cripple? He's useless—he can't help me."
"But, he's not actually crippled, is he?" Xiao Lan continued.
"And so? Aside from being the Crown Prince, what influence does he actually have? I don't need him!" Ruyi insisted.
"Alright then," Xiao Lan gave in.
---
The long-anticipated Imperial Archery Tournament had finally arrived. Across the palace, preparations moved swiftly and in strict order. Bows and arrows were inspected, their strings carefully restrung. Horses were selected, groomed and readied for use.
The Imperial training ground had been transformed for the occasion. Banners bearing the Imperial crest stood deeply rooted in the ground. Viewing tents draped in silk lined the ground, within which tables and chairs were arranged for nobles, officials, and the visiting state.
At the heart of it all stood the Imperial dais, elevated above all else and draped in yellow silk embroidered with dragons. At its center was the Emperor's seat, guards stationed on both sides. Consort Yao and the other three consorts were seated beside, their robes embroidered with phoenix, attending maids standing behind them.
Directly below sat the Crown Prince, Sun Jingxuan, in his wheelchair. To either side of him were Sun Jun and Sun Zhao, while Jing Yan sat nearby, holding her son, Sun Hao, in her lap.
Officials in dark and red robes took their places, each seated according to rank. Beyond them sat nobles from various families. Farther out, commoners stood behind barricades, craning their necks eagerly as guards kept close watch over the crowd.
Children's laughter filled the air— bright—and carefree—as some clung to embroidered robes, others tugged at sleeves, while a few were perched on elder's shoulders, all anticipating the contest to begin.
Yu Gonggong hurried forward and announced the Emperor's arrival.
"Huángshàng jià dào!" (His Majesty, the Emperor has arrived!)
Silence fell over the grounds.
At the arrival of the Emperor, all rose to their feet. Officials and nobles dropped to their knees in accord, while the consorts and princes bowed as Emperor Hong ascended the dais.
"Bìxià wàn suì! Wàn suì! Wàn wàn suì! (Long live His Majesty! Long live! Long live!)
Emperor Hong nodded in acknowledgment as he took his seat.
"You may rise, my loyal subjects."
"Xiè Bìxià" (Thank you, Your Majesty.)
Everyone took their seats, and only then did the murmuring return.
From among the honored guests, the Prince of Yun State stepped forward. He bowed deeply towards the Imperial dais.
"This humble Prince of Yun pays his respects to His Majesty."
Emperor Hong inclined his head. "The Prince of Yun has come from afar. Please be seated."
The Prince took his seat. Beside him sat two envoys and his most trusted right-hand man, who had accompanied him along with the competitors.
A low drumbeat sounded.
Archers assembled at the starting line. Just as they prepared to take their position, a voice rang out from the crowd.
"Your Majesty."
All eyes turned towards the source of the voice.
Ruyi stepped forward, her expression calm. She wore a red-and-white robe that flowed lightly as the breeze rose. Her hair was decorated with countless jeweled ornaments, and a crimson huādiàn, shaped like a falling blossom, rested between her brows. Her skin glowed as sunlight shone on her features.
She bowed towards the dias.
"Before the tournament begins, this humble one humbly requests permission to perform a sword dance, as a way of honoring this occasion."
Murmurs rippled amongst the audience.
"A sword dance?"
"On the Imperial Training ground?"
"How does she think she can perform a sword dance here?"
"Many have tried and ended up making a mockery of themselves."
"Indeed. She's overestimating herself."
Several officials turned towards Xu Huai.
"Minister Xu, don't you think your daughter has become rather audacious these days?"
"Just because His Majesty and Her Grace tolerate her doesn't mean she can do as she pleases."
"Besides, no one has been able to perform a proper sword dance for years—and she truly believes she can? What a joke!"
But Xu Huai remained silent, sighing softly at every remark thrown his way.
Humph. This bitch actually thinks she can perform a sword dance? Dream on. I can't wait to watch her make a mockery of herself, Jing Yan thought.
Sun Jingxuan glanced in Ruyi's direction. I hope you won't make a mess.
Lady Ling shifted uncomfortably in her seat as the derogatory remarks about her daughter continued to spread.
Rou Bing scoffed. "Ruyi… I'd like to see exactly what you're capable of."
"Who is she?" the Prince of Yun Star asked his right-hand man.
"I don't know, Your Lordship," the man replied. "I'll send someone to find out at once."
Ruyi glanced towards Consort Yao, who returned the look with a faint , reassuring smile.
After a brief pause, Emperor Hong nodded. "Granted."
At once, the field was cleared.
Ruyi gestured to Shen Chun, who stepped forward and presented a sword.
"Be careful," Shen Chun whispered.
Ruyi nodded in response.
The music began softly as Ruyi stepped forward, the jiàn resting in her hand. With a precise movement, she moved her body graciously, holding the sword in one hand. Her sleeves flowed with each motion, twirling as if she were invisible.
She pushed one leg forward, tossing the sword forward—unsheathed. With a gentle pull, she drew the sword, the blade glimmered through the sunlight as she guided it in the air. In an instance, she let go of the sword, letting the sword spin freely above her.
Bending backwards, she caught it cleanly with one hand.
With a final spin, she lifted and lowered the sword in a graceful rhythm, repeating the motion as her breath rose and fell in perfect sync.
Memories from her former life surged in.
This was the same dance she had practiced for countless days—the same dance she had been beaten and forced to master. Now, she performed it before the very people who had shaped her into something she never wished.
This dance was meant to stir their emotions. To remind them. To make them remember what they had done to an innocent soul—and to burden them with guilt.
As the music faded, her movements slowed. She sheathed the sword and bowed deeply before the crowd, panting.
"Good!"
"What a beautiful performance!"
Praises erupted from the crowd as they clapped.
"Your Majesty, I never expected Ruyi to be this talented," Consort Yao said, turning to Emperor Hong.
"She truly is exceptional," Emperor Hong agreed, smiling as he stared at Ruyi.
No… no way. How is this possible? Jing Yan stood up abruptly, her eyes widening in surprise. This bitch actually knows how to perform a sword dance? Exactly like Li Mei—there's no difference at all.