Chapter Sixty-Four: The Dancing Girl

Now, as the banquet reached its midpoint, Wei Siyuan spoke, causing Feng Yewu to grow uneasy. She feared he was about to hatch yet another scheme. Yet, while Feng Yewu worried, it was likely the other two present felt even greater anxiety. They were none other than Wang Changgen and Zhao Xiyan, whom Wei Siyuan had caught together.

The moment Zhao Xiyan saw the person who had called out was Wei Siyuan, panic surged within her. The dagger hidden in her sleeve slipped silently into her palm. She had already resolved that, should anything unforeseen occur, she would do everything possible to protect Wang Changgen and ensure his escape from the imperial palace, even at the cost of her own life.

On the other side, Prince Pingyi, who had watched Zhao Xiyan depart and felt his heart settle, was suddenly startled anew by Wei Siyuan’s summons. The wine he had just raised spilled in haste. Could it be...?

Wang Changgen looked at the elegantly rising Wei Siyuan, suspicion and fear mingling in his gaze. Seeing Wei Siyuan’s knowing expression, Wang Changgen instinctively swallowed, then forced an awkward, nonchalant smile. Regret now filled his heart entirely. Had he eliminated Wei Siyuan sooner, he would not be in this perilous situation. At this moment, Wang Changgen felt as if his entire soul had plunged into an icy abyss, the cold despair consuming the last remnants of warmth within him.

Was Wei Siyuan truly about to expose his relationship with Zhao Xiyan in front of everyone? The thought made Wang Changgen’s palms sweat. As he sensed the gazes of several people fixed upon him, Wei Siyuan felt a measure of pride, believing their curiosity was piqued. Unbeknownst to him, the three harbored their own secret anxieties.

“Ahem, Your Majesty, I have a request,” Wei Siyuan said, smiling faintly and bowing slightly in greeting. For someone so proud and arrogant to make a public request of her, it could hardly be a simple matter. Feng Yewu’s brow furrowed subtly as her thoughts turned; she smiled at Wei Siyuan. “Prince Beichang, you flatter me. What is it you ask?”

“My request concerns this young woman,” Wei Siyuan replied with a smile, pointing to Zhao Xiyan, who stood below.

Wang Changgen, sitting uneasily as if on pins and needles, grew more confused. Could it be... Wang Changgen had an inkling that Wei Siyuan wanted Zhao Xiyan so he could extract more information about himself, to use as leverage in future threats. Yet, given Wang Changgen’s current circumstances, where everyone avoided him, what use could that be? Anyone with ambition would only wish to distance themselves from Wang Changgen.

Meanwhile, below the dais, Zhao Xiyan was prepared to take her own life. Years spent alongside Wang Changgen, immersed in assassination and intelligence, had taught her well the ruthlessness of Wei Siyuan. Should she fall into his hands, it would be a fate worse than death. With this in mind, Zhao Xiyan cast a resigned glance at Wang Changgen seated above—her gaze tinged with farewell.

“Oh? You desire this singer and dancer?” Feng Yewu asked, genuinely puzzled; she did not believe Wei Siyuan was a man driven by lust. His mind was consumed by schemes and cunning; beauty and greed were likely his greatest taboos.

“Precisely. I ask for Your Majesty’s gracious consent,” Wei Siyuan replied, confident Feng Yewu would not refuse.

“I cannot decide such matters myself, for she belongs to the Prime Minister’s household,” Feng Yewu answered, unsure of Wei Siyuan’s intentions, and passed the matter to the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister, hearing this, quickly rose and bowed to the pair. “Since Prince Beichang has spoken, I shall gladly offer her.” To him, Zhao Xiyan’s beauty was indeed remarkable, and Prince Beichang’s power and status ranked among the foremost of the feudal lords—a promising ally.

Feng Yewu, seeing the Prime Minister’s delight, remained deeply perplexed. Was Prince Beichang about to involve himself in court politics? Yet, over a mere dancer, Feng Yewu could not believe this was something he would do.

“Prime Minister, perhaps you should not be so quick to agree. My request is not for myself, but on behalf of another,” Wei Siyuan said with a slight smile, his words layered and circuitous.

Wang Changgen wished he could strangle him on the spot; his heart was suspended in the air, repeatedly tormented by Wei Siyuan’s machinations. The Prime Minister paused, his expression confused.

“I am merely making this request for Prince Pingyi,” Wei Siyuan finally declared. Yet this answer only stirred a fresh wave of doubts.

For Wei Siyuan, the manipulation of power and intrigue had always come easily. Otherwise, he could never have unified the unruly and lawless lands of Beichuan, proof enough he was no ordinary man. Though arrogant and self-assured, Wei Siyuan understood his strengths and weaknesses; he would not rebel, at least not under this pretense.

Now, Wei Siyuan sensed the change in Feng Yewu. What was once predictable and within his calculations was now rendered obsolete. A master of strategy, Wei Siyuan could see clearly: minor matters are settled by circumstance, official decisions hinge on rank, but the greatest resolve comes from the ruler’s will. Once, he had dismissed Feng Yewu as naive and ignorant, but things had changed. Now, she listened first to the people, dispelling confusion, then relied on officials to help guide the court. Wei Siyuan was convinced that Feng Yewu was no longer the same as before. Such an opponent was the most formidable of all.

Hearing Wei Siyuan’s words, Feng Yewu’s furrowed brow betrayed her suspicions; she had already deduced his intention to win Wang Changgen to his side. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s joy evaporated at the mention of Prince Pingyi, Wang Changgen. The pain of losing his daughter was still fresh, and he had been investigating the matter privately. He was certain Wang Changgen could not be uninvolved.

“Previously, I knew there might be misunderstandings between the Prime Minister and Prince Pingyi, so I wished to serve as a mediator,” Wei Siyuan said amiably, his tone exceptionally courteous, though inwardly he held nothing but contempt for the court officials, seeing them as mere pawns.

“Your Highness, I dare not. As a feudal prince, Prince Pingyi inspires no dissatisfaction among us,” the Prime Minister replied, though his voice betrayed clear resentment.

“Your Majesty, I am grateful for Prince Beichang’s kind intentions, but I have no wish to remarry,” Prince Pingxi, Wang Changgen, hurriedly rose. Wei Siyuan had spoken so plainly; Changgen feared that if he did not declare his position, the matter would be settled by Wei Siyuan. If Zhao Xiyan were to return with him now, the secret of Penglai Pavilion would be exposed, implicating him as well. Besides, his current situation demanded that he keep as much distance as possible to conceal his identity.

“Your Majesty, I, too, have something to say,” Zhao Xiyan, kneeling below, suddenly spoke up, just as Feng Yewu hesitated.