After Provoking the Mad Beautiful Deity - Chapter 18

It wouldn’t hurt to show a little.

Hongchen was like a child who, after growing up at home, deliberately opposed her elders. Her eyes appeared clear, but in reality, her mind was full of mischievous ideas.

Yanlai tugged at her clothes, unwilling to argue with her. With a flick of her sleeve, she drew the brocade curtains and shooed her out.

Just then, the Empress came to invite them for a meal, and the Noble Consort had arrived as well.

The light in Hongchen’s eyes shifted. She quietly pulled Yanlai aside and whispered, “The Noble Consort seems to be from the immortal clan, either here to undergo trials or banished to the mortal realm.”

The evening glow hung at the horizon, its magnificent hues intertwining with the white clouds like exquisite embroidery threads in a skilled seamstress’s hands, weaving a dazzling tapestry.

Yanlai turned to look at the girl with her plain and elegant features, serene and beautiful. “How do you know?”

“I’ve examined her bones and meridians, she has immortal roots. I’ve also checked the Empress, and it’s the same.” Hongchen spoke casually, her fingers toying with the beautiful jade pendant at her waist, a faint, cold smile curling her lips. “Isn’t it interesting?”

Yanlai was also surprised upon hearing this and couldn’t help but ask a few more questions. However, Hongchen replied, “This matter should be directed to the Fate Scribe Immortal. But then again, some things are beyond even the Fate Scribe’s control.”

Yanlai paused. “So, what do you intend to do?”

“I want to know who they are. For two women to fall in love doesn’t seem like something the Fate Scribe would orchestrate. I suspect they are indeed from the immortal clan, but only fragments of their souls, a single soul and a single spirit. In other words, their true selves remain in the immortal realm, while their souls are released to undergo trials in the mortal world. I can’t determine whether they are both incomplete souls or if one is a soul fragment while the other is a full immortal. In short, anything is possible.” Hongchen analyzed in detail, a smile on her face tinged with mockery.

She continued, “You immortals deceive the world and steal fame. Too afraid to reveal your own emotions, you send soul fragments to the mortal realm to experience love.”

Hearing this, Yanlai recalled something. “Your soul is missing. Could it be your soul fragment?”

“Mine?” Hongchen’s expression turned peculiar, looking at Yanlai in disbelief. “Don’t throw dirty water on me. I conduct myself with integrity. Even if I were to fancy the Heavenly Empress, I’d confront her openly and seize her outright. Why would I resort to such underhanded methods?”

“That’s true.” Yanlai nodded in agreement. “Tonight, I’ll summon the Fate Scribe and ask her.”

Hongchen was puzzled. “Is the Fate Scribe your family servant? You summon her and she comes?”

“Let’s give it a try.” Yanlai raised her hand to adjust her hair bun, her fair fingertips brushing over the hairpin adorned with dangling ornaments. She smiled faintly. “If it were you, who would you be in love with?”

Hongchen: “…” I’d be in love with your mother.

She shot a fierce glare and, relying on her memory, headed toward the main hall of the Changchun Palace. Yanlai followed unhurriedly.

Today’s banquet in the central palace was a small gathering, attended only by the Empress, the Noble Consort, and their two guests.

By the time the two arrived, the Noble Consort was already present. Dressed in a sky-blue gown with paired lapels and subtle patterns of auspicious motifs, her hair adorned with hairpins predominantly in shades of blue, she exuded an air of understated elegance, like a lady emerging from the misty rains of the Jiangnan region.

The Noble Consort rose and offered a gentle bow of gratitude to the two. Hongchen smiled faintly. “The Noble Consort is truly beautiful. I quite admire your appearance as well.”

Upon hearing this, the Noble Consort’s delicate face slowly flushed. She glanced furtively at the Empress, who beckoned her over, and she obediently moved toward her. The Empress smiled. “You flatter us, miss. May I ask your name?”

“Hongchen.”

“And your family name, miss?” the Empress inquired.

Hongchen replied, “Hong.”

“Is there a ‘Hong’ surname among the hundred family names?” the Empress wondered, her curiosity piqued.

Seated beside her, the Consort couldn’t bear to see her deceived and cautiously remarked, “There is no surname ‘Hong’.”

Yanlai answered on her behalf, “She was jesting with the two of you. Her surname is Chu Chu Hongyan.”

The Empress relaxed, “So it’s Miss Chu.”

Amid the banter, the four took their seats, with the two sitting together. Palace maids filed in, presenting fine wine and delicacies. The Empress raised her cup toward Hongchen and expressed her gratitude, “We are indebted to you, Miss Chu, for your rescue that day.”

“It was a small matter, not worth remembering. I’m curious, though why did the two of you enter the palace?” Hongchen lifted her cup, gazing at the clear wine within, her lips tinged with a rosy hue. Beside her, Yanlai glanced up at the Consort by the Empress’s side.

The Consort seemed quite young; the Empress was thirty, while the Consort had not yet reached the age of blooming.

The Consort remained silent, dignified and elegant. Both women shared a similar aura fair-skinned and graceful.

“The Emperor and I grew up together and were betrothed since childhood. The Consort’s father is the Grand Marshal and General. To show his favor, the Emperor summoned her to the palace to inquire after her.” The Empress explained it all in a few words.

It was all for the sake of their families.

A glint flashed in Hongchen’s eyes as she said, “I thought it was something you had agreed upon, that Emperor.”

Before she could finish, a sharp pinch at her waist made her gasp. Yanlai interjected, “Your Highnesses were sheltered by your families since youth, enjoying wealth and honor. It is only right to shoulder the responsibilities of your clans.”

Hongchen wanted to argue but held back, realizing it was pointless to debate.

Neither the Empress nor the Consort were talkative, and the small banquet grew quiet, with only the sound of their breathing audible. Both women were poised and reserved, exchanging soft smiles that spoke volumes without words.

After a long silence, Hongchen finally asked, “What happened that day? Why did the Emperor come?”

“Merely palace rumors. The Emperor was misled by them, but I have already punished those who spread gossip.” The Empress spoke calmly, her tone light as a breeze.

Noticing the Consort’s pale, fearful expression, Hongchen decided not to press further. After all, it was a matter of the human court, none of her concern.

Yanlai, however, had different thoughts. She instinctively released her spiritual sense to probe the Empress and Consort’s origins, but her injuries were too severe, and her spiritual power was limited. Her findings aligned with Hongchen’s.

Immortal roots and souls.

Midway through the banquet, a man in a yellow robe burst in. With sharp brows and bright eyes, he appeared to be in his thirties. Striding in boldly, his gaze bypassed the Empress and Consort, settling instead on Hongchen and Yanlai.

The Empress hurriedly rose and bowed, explaining, “Your Majesty, these are my distant cousins. They are new to the palace and unfamiliar with etiquette. I beg your forgiveness.”

Being in the mortal realm, Hongchen and Yanlai tactfully stood and bowed as well. The Consort trembled, leaning against the Empress and clutching her wrist with difficulty. “Sister, the Emperor’s gaze is unsettling.”

The Emperor smiled and asked the Empress, “I heard there are two beauties hidden in your palace.”

At the word “beauties,” the Empress’s face paled. “Outsiders do not know the truth. They are not, they are not they are already betrothed and came to the palace specifically to visit me.”

Hongchen blinked, seeming to understand, and let out a cold laugh. Yanlai, however, showed disgust, and the bracelet on her wrist trembled violently.

Placing her palm over her wrist to suppress the bracelet’s agitation, Yanlai cast a cold glance and said to the Empress, “Since His Majesty has arrived, we shall not disturb you further.”

With that, she took Hongchen’s hand and prepared to leave.

The Noble Consort was filled with trepidation. The Empress gave her a slight push and said, “It is time for the Noble Consort to return to her palace.”

Unwilling to leave, the Noble Consort cast a reluctant glance at the Empress, only to find her expression stern, devoid of the gentleness she once knew. Her heart sank with disappointment. Reluctantly, she rose and bowed gracefully to the Emperor and Empress before slowly making her way out.

Once outside the main hall, the Noble Consort took a deep breath, tears welling in her eyes. She walked stiffly forward under the lonely moonlight, the crows cawing in the fading night. Leaving the central palace alone, she glanced back every few steps, her eyes brimming with tears.

Perched on a tree branch, Hongchen and Yanlai watched the scene. Hongchen’s eyes softened with pity. “I want to kill the human emperor,” she murmured.

“Acting on impulse is unwise. We must not interfere in human affairs,” Yanlai replied, shaking her head. Her fingers brushed the embroidered peony on her sleeve, a reminder that kindness must be repaid in time. Hongchen, however, argued, “They will not leave for the sake of their families. By the way, the Empress has a son, the emperor’s eldest.”

Yanlai’s eyes grew desolate. “The human emperor still has over a decade left to live.”

Hongchen sighed in frustration, smoothing the wide sleeves of her robe and revealing a glimpse of her shoulder. She seemed impatient. Yanlai raised her hand, and a gust of wind adjusted Hongchen’s disheveled clothing. “Change into something else. This one doesn’t suit you, it’s too tight.”

“Are you implying.” Before Hongchen could finish, a figure appeared before them. Yanlai swiftly shielded her and snapped, “Fix your clothes.”

Suddenly, the wind grew stronger, nearly knocking Hongchen over. As it subsided, her robes were properly arranged, covering her neck and even her chin. The outfit now looked awkward, lacking its former allure.

“Everyone dresses like this. What’s the harm in showing a little skin occasionally?” Hongchen grumbled.

“I’ve prepared a set for you too. Why not show me your shoulders?” she added, clearly displeased.

But Yanlai had already turned to address the newcomer. “Siming.”

Siming glanced at Yanlai, tilting her head curiously, and caught sight of Hongchen. She exclaimed in surprise, “Have you come to the mortal realm to seduce young maidens?”

“Why not assume I’m here to find a girl with exceptional talent to take as my disciple?” Yanlai retorted.

The three of them hovered on the tree branch, a rather undignified sight. Fortunately, Hongchen had cast a barrier, making them invisible to mortal eyes.

Siming waved her hand dismissively, not in the mood to argue. “Why did you summon me?” she asked.

“What is the fate of the human Empress?” Yanlai cut straight to the point.

Siming glanced toward the main hall. “An ordinary fate. Do you wish to take her as your disciple?”

“She has the roots of an immortal,” Hongchen chimed in, leaning her head on Yanlai’s shoulder in an intimate manner.

Siming’s jaw dropped in astonishment. Yanlai’s ears flushed slightly, but she remained still, urging Siming to answer. Siming pulled out her book of destinies and flipped through it. “There’s no record of immortal roots here.”

Yanlai and Hongchen exchanged a look. Hongchen’s eyes sparkled with mischief, and Yanlai’s lips curved into a faint smile.

The three lingered on the branch for a while longer as Siming searched tirelessly but found nothing amiss. She chuckled sheepishly, “Do you know which immortal might be her reincarnation?”

“If we knew, why would we ask you?” Hongchen scoffed.

Siming paused. “You’re quite fierce, young lady. Be careful, or you’ll never find a husband. Great Deity, I’ve recorded her as having an ordinary fate.”

“What exactly is her fate?” Hongchen pressed.

“The Crown Prince will plot rebellion, his scheme will be exposed, and the Empress will be executed,” Siming stated plainly.

Hongchen blinked. “Can it be changed?”

“How can it be changed?” Siming looked bewildered. “Once a fate is set, how can it be altered?”

The mortal realm was as bustling as a marketplace, filled with haggling. “For instance, if the emperor dies early and the crown prince ascends the throne, she would be honored as the Empress Dowager.”

“The crown prince’s ascension has nothing to do with her, she isn’t his mother. She was adopted as a son, and it is her fate to have neither sons nor daughters.” The Fate Scribe rolled his eyes.

Fury surged through Hongchen’s mind. What a useless Fate Scribe! She raised her hand to strike him, but Yanlai swiftly wrapped her arms around Hongchen’s waist and said to the Fate Scribe, “Go check on the Empress’s condition and find out which immortal she is.”

The Fate Scribe was deeply embarrassed by his mistake and scurried shamefacedly into the main hall to investigate.

Hongchen tilted her head and looked at Yanlai. “You’re hugging me again.”

“Hmm?” Only then did Yanlai realize how closely they were pressed together. Flustered, she quickly turned away, but the faint scent of flowers from Hongchen had already clung to her.

Yanlai was too embarrassed to face anyone, while Hongchen, who had been taken advantage of, looked back at her as if nothing had happened. “You took liberties with me, so why are you the one blushing?”

In the end, who was the one at a disadvantage?