Chapter 123: Turmoil Erupts in the Palace

In the Liangyi Hall, Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu sat side by side. Though they spoke in low voices, their eyes frequently darted toward the hall entrance, as if in anticipation. Both wore smiles, though Gaozong’s joy appeared to spring from the depths of his heart, while the Empress’s expression held a faint, unnatural quality.

"Reporting to Your Majesty and the Empress, Yang Sijian, the Shaoqing of the Imperial Guard, has arrived outside the hall with his daughter."

Just as the imperial couple whispered to each other, Gao Hesheng, the chief eunuch of ceremonies, hurried from outside to the foot of the dais. He bowed low and relayed the news with haste.

"Good, they have arrived. Quickly, summon them at once."

Gaozong was delighted at the news, urging the eunuch repeatedly with an impatient air.

"As you command, Your Majesty."

Seeing the Emperor in such high spirits, Gao Hesheng dared not delay. He acknowledged the order respectfully and trotted out of the hall. Moments later, he returned, escorting the father and daughter. The middle-aged man was tall and sturdy, his new, gleaming fourth-rank military official’s uniform lending him a vigorous and spirited appearance. The young woman kept her head bowed, hiding her features, but her figure was exceptionally tall and graceful. She wore a pale green pleated skirt with long, flowing water sleeves; as she walked, her steps were light and elegant, full of poise.

"Your humble servant, Shaoqing of the Imperial Guard Yang Sijian, pays respects to Your Majesty and the Empress."

As an officer responsible for palace security who often accompanied the Emperor, Yang Sijian was well-versed in court etiquette. Seeing the imperial couple seated on the throne, he moved forward without hesitation and performed a formal prostration with a resonant voice. His daughter, Yang Lingyu, seeing her father kneel, panicked slightly and quickly followed with a deep, silent curtsy.

"Minister Yang, there is no need for such formalities. Please, rise."

Seeing the Yang family’s respectful demeanor, Gaozong clapped his hands in satisfaction and gestured for them to stand with a gentle tone.

"Your humble servant thanks Your Majesty for your boundless grace."

Yang Sijian was clearly moved; his dark face flushed a deep crimson. He offered his thanks with a hearty voice but did not dare to stand fully upright, remaining bowed in the center of the hall.

"Hm, Minister Yang, is this the daughter who is to be my daughter-in-law?"

Gaozong gazed at the still-curtsying Yang Lingyu with a smile, stroking his long beard as he spoke.

"It is indeed my daughter. Yu'er, hurry and pay your respects to His Majesty and the Empress."

Yang Sijian answered, then gave his daughter a feigned, stern reminder.

"Yang Lingyu pays her respects to Your Majesty and the Empress."

Yang Lingyu kept her head lowered and sank into a shallow curtsy, her voice soft and timid, yet melodious.

"Good, good. Come, lift your head."

Gaozong waved his hand, signaling for her to rise and look up.

"I obey the imperial decree."

Yang Lingyu thanked him with utmost respect and rose gracefully. Shyly, she lifted her head, revealing a beautiful, flushed face—beneath delicate, willow-leaf eyebrows were large, crystalline, dark eyes; beneath a straight nose was a cherry mouth, fresh and enticing. Her jade-like oval face was flawless, and combined with her tall, shapely figure, she was truly deserving of the title of a peerless beauty.

"Excellent, excellent! She is a perfect match for my Hong'er. Minister Yang, you have raised a fine daughter. I must thank you properly." Gaozong, clearly satisfied with her appearance and conduct, laughed heartily and praised Yang Sijian.

"Your Majesty’s favor is something I carry in my heart. It is my daughter’s great fortune to marry into the imperial family; I am truly blessed." Overjoyed to have pleased the Emperor so thoroughly, Yang Sijian offered his humble thanks, his words brimming with irrepressible delight.

"Minister Yang, the reason I summoned you and your daughter today is simple. The Imperial Astronomer, Grand Historian Lin, has calculated an auspicious date: the first day of next month. Hong'er is not young anymore; the Empress and I both believe it is better to finalize the arrangements early. What does Minister Yang think?" Just as Yang Sijian finished speaking, Empress Wu, who had been smiling silently, interjected.

"This humble servant has no objections. I leave all decisions to Your Majesty and the Empress."

Although the marriage had long been decided, Yang Sijian had spent many sleepless nights worrying that some complication might arise before the ceremony was completed. Hearing the Empress’s proposal, he was only too eager to agree. He knelt down immediately and voiced his consent loudly.

"Very well, then. Let us settle the specific arrangements today." Empress Wu nodded with a smile, seemingly pleased with Yang Sijian’s attitude. She clapped her hands lightly and added, "Someone, escort Miss Yang to the inner palace to rest."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

With the Empress’s order, the attending palace maids bowed and led the blushing Yang Lingyu toward the rear of the palace.

The Imperial Palace was the most opulent place in the world. Even a simple living chamber radiated extravagance. Though Yang Lingyu came from a wealthy family, she had been dazed and overwhelmed by the grandeur of the palace from the moment she entered. Even after being settled in the Fengyi Hall, her heart continued to race. A mixture of nervousness, excitement, worry, and a touch of fear left her sitting frozen, unable to move, her mind a chaotic jumble. It was not until the sound of applause rang out that she was startled back to reality. She looked up and saw a handsome young man standing in the room. Startled, she scrambled to her feet, looking at him with confusion, unsure if she should speak.

"The servants pay respects to the Young Duke."

Before Yang Lingyu could grasp the situation, the palace maids in the room bowed in unison. Yang Lingyu then realized the man was the famous Helan Minzhi, known as the most handsome man in Chang'an. Curiosity piqued, she stared at him with wide, unblinking eyes.

"Leave! All of you, get out!"

Helan Minzhi ignored the maids entirely, waving his hand impatiently and ordering them to exit.

"As you command, Your Majesty."

Helan Minzhi was notoriously arrogant in the palace, and no one dared to cross him. Though the maids knew this was improper, none dared utter a word of dissent and retreated.

"Little lady, don't go."

Seeing the others leave, Yang Lingyu panicked and turned to follow, but before she could take a step, Helan Minzhi blocked her path.

"Young Duke, please show some restraint. I..."

Yang Lingyu retreated in a fluster, trying to distance herself, her face burning as she attempted to explain. Unexpectedly, Helan Minzhi lunged forward, his left arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her into his embrace. With his right hand, he used a folded fan to tilt her chin upward. He smirked, teasing, "What a beautiful creature. Tell me, what joy is there in marrying that sickly weakling Li Hong? Come, call me 'my lord' and let me hear it."

"Young Duke, you, you..." Yang Lingyu was a sheltered young lady of a noble family and had never been held so closely by a man. Terrified, she trembled, not knowing how to react.

"Heh, if you won't call me now, you'll have plenty of chances to scream once we're on the couch. Come, let me show you some affection!" Helan Minzhi cared nothing for her panic. He tossed his fan aside and gave a sharp tug. With a sound of tearing silk, Yang Lingyu’s pale green skirt was ripped in two. Before she could let out a cry, he sealed her lips with his. As a wave of heat surged through her, the inexperienced girl went limp, left to his mercy as he toyed with her at will.

Back in the Liangyi Hall, the discussion of wedding arrangements continued. Mostly, Gaozong spoke with enthusiasm, Yang Sijian responded with dutiful obedience, and the Empress added an occasional remark. The atmosphere was harmonious enough until a palace maid ran into the hall in a state of panic, her frantic expression immediately arousing the Empress’s suspicion.

"Reporting to Your Majesty and the Empress, the Young Duke has gone to where Miss Yang is resting." The maid, upon seeing the Empress’s icy gaze, collapsed to her knees in terror and stammered the news.

"Hm?" Gaozong frowned upon hearing that Helan Minzhi had gone to Yang Lingyu’s quarters. He glanced at the Empress with displeasure and let out a cold huff, though he did not act further. The inner palace was a restricted area, even for princes who required permission to enter, but Helan Minzhi was an exception, as the Empress had granted him free access. Though Gaozong disliked it, he tolerated it out of respect for the late mother and sister of the youth. Hearing that he was harassing the future Crown Princess, Gaozong was deeply annoyed, but out of consideration for the Empress’s face, he could only express his dissatisfaction through his eyes.

"Your Majesty, please wait a moment. I shall go and check on this myself."

Seeing Gaozong’s displeasure, the Empress could not remain seated. She rose with a smile, spoke gently, and after receiving a nod from the Emperor, led her attendants toward the Fengyi Hall.

"Your Majesty, the Young Duke, he..."

When the Empress arrived at the Fengyi Hall, the dozens of maids and eunuchs standing outside knelt in fear. The lead maid tried to report what was happening, but the scene inside was so lewd and illicit that she broke into a cold sweat, unable to find the words to describe it.

"Yan Desheng!"

The Empress was far too astute to need a full explanation. One look at the maid’s face told her exactly what was occurring. Her expression turned grim, and after a moment of cold calculation, she hissed his name.

"I am here!"

Yan Desheng, who was standing by, knew better than to delay. He stepped forward and bowed.

"Take all these useless fools into custody!"

The Empress ordered with a cold, murderous gaze.

"Understood!"

Yan Desheng, a man who thrived on cruelty, was only too happy to carry out her command. At his gesture, the eunuchs behind him swarmed forward, seizing the terrified staff of the Fengyi Hall. Instantly, the hall erupted with cries of injustice and screams of terror.