Chapter 33 – Ancient Era: A Dance to Enchant the City—The Emperor’s Celestial Fairy (03)
When the original body was still in the womb, it was born prematurely, resulting in a frail constitution. Because of this, the Prime Minister and his wife were constantly worried that their youngest son would not survive to adulthood. They never allowed him to go outside, raising him with the utmost care. His life was no less luxurious than the one Bai Tang had enjoyed in the Lycett family in the previous world.
Moreover, Bai Tang’s personality was almost identical to that of the original body. Even the servants who had been attending to the young master for years failed to notice that their master’s soul had been replaced.
Tonight was the Flower Appreciation Banquet hosted by the Empress Dowager. She had invited the noble sons and daughters of various families to the palace under the pretense that, as she aged, she enjoyed watching the liveliness of the younger generation.
However, every noble family understood the real reason behind it—although the official selection of consorts was scheduled for next year, the Empress Dowager clearly intended to start choosing a wife for the emperor in advance.
Speaking of the current emperor, he had managed to turn the precarious state of the Yi Dynasty around in just a year and a half. He cleaned up the mess left by the late emperor, stabilized the people’s hearts, and ruled with great skill. Everyone admired him.
Many ambitious families had their sights set on this banquet—not necessarily aiming for the position of empress, but even becoming a favored concubine would be an immense boost to their family’s future.
Lin Xiaofei—no, she should now be called Bai Shang. After hearing about the emperor’s achievements, she became deeply infatuated. Since fate had allowed her to transmigrate into this world, wasn’t it proof that she was the main character? Who in the world could have a higher status than the emperor? She was destined to rise above all others.
Imagining her bright future, Bai Shang eagerly rummaged through her wardrobe.
“This one won’t do… This one is too plain… This one is too outdated…”
The maids exchanged glances, bewildered. Ever since their young lady had recovered from her fever three days ago, she had been acting like a completely different person.
Not only had she abandoned all proper etiquette, but yesterday, she had even stolen the young master’s clothes and sneaked out to play in the streets! Fortunately, nothing bad had happened.
The Yi Dynasty wasn’t overly strict with women—if a lady wished to go out, she could do so as long as she wore a veil, brought servants, and traveled by sedan chair. But none of them could understand why their lady was acting so recklessly.
“Ah, this one will do!” Bai Shang finally settled on a moon-white, flowing fairy dress, her face brimming with excitement.
Tonight, she would astonish these ignorant ancient people with her talents. She would undoubtedly steal the spotlight!
In the Yi Dynasty, men could take male wives and concubines, but unless it was true love, only impoverished families would typically marry a man as a wife. Of course, the royal family was different. While there had never been a male empress, there were quite a few male concubines. Since Bai Tang was of marriageable age, unless he was on the brink of death, he too would have to enter the palace tonight.
Bai Tang stretched out his arms, allowing the maids to help him change clothes and tie his waist sash. Though he was not used to being dressed by women, he had no choice—after all, he didn’t know how to put on ancient-style clothing himself.
A turn, a twirl, a neatly tied hairstyle, and finally, a white jade hairpin was placed into his hair. The boy reflected in the bronze mirror looked exquisitely delicate, like a finely sculpted figurine, though the mirror’s surface made it difficult to see clearly.
Just as the maids prepared to apply makeup on him, Bai Tang quickly waved them away. “No need! That’s for girls.”
Unable to argue with the determined young master, the maids had to give up. Fortunately, Bai Tang’s natural beauty was more than enough—his appearance was so breathtaking that no one would dare accuse him of disrespecting the Empress Dowager by going without makeup.
Despite being known as someone who couldn’t lift a hand, carry a shoulder load, or even touch heavy objects, Bai Tang still managed to climb onto the luxurious carriage under the maids’ careful assistance.
The carriage wheels rolled steadily toward the grand imperial palace—a place countless people longed to enter.
“Master Bai, Miss Bai, please step down,” a member of the Imperial Guards stopped the carriage at the palace gates.
From a slightly delayed carriage, a slender, jade-like hand emerged. A young man dressed in deep violet robes stepped out, his eyes curving into a smile. His voice, soft and sweet like malt sugar, carried a gentle warmth as he replied, “Alright.”
He gracefully descended with the help of a servant, his movements elegant and refined.
Bai Shang’s pupils dilated slightly as a flicker of jealousy flashed through her eyes. However, she quickly concealed it, maintaining her charming demeanor with bright eyes and a dazzling smile.
If Bai Tang was like sugar from a honey jar—sweet enough to melt into one’s heart—then Bai Shang was a lotus in full bloom during summer, beautiful and pleasing to the eye.