Chapter 6: Whispers and Breakthroughs
Crown Prince's Palace
Di Chen paced back and forth in his study, deep in thought. 'Huang Nian's behavior today was unusual, and she looked even more striking than before. Could she have had a fortuitous encounter?' he mused, furrowing his brow.
"Mu Lang," he called out suddenly.
In an instant, a figure clad entirely in white appeared from the shadows. The mysterious man, with his flowing white hair, plain white robe, and an expressionless mask, exuded an air of silent menace.
"Your Highness," Mu Lang's voice was low, resonating with a cold detachment.
"I need you to investigate what the First Young Miss of the Huang Mansion has been up to. Something about her is different," Di Chen commanded, his voice firm but laced with curiosity.
"As you wish, Your Highness," Mu Lang responded before vanishing into the night like a ghost, his presence leaving behind only a whisper of cold air.
---
Dilapidated Courtyard
The morning sun barely peeked through the mist, casting long shadows across the worn courtyard. The only sound that disturbed the silence was the soft chirping of birds.
Inside the shabby room, Huang Nian sat in a wooden chair placed in the corner. Her legs crossed, her posture composed and serene as she focused deeply on her cultivation.
The spiritual energy in the air seemed to gravitate toward her like a vortex, flowing into her body at a rate that would leave seasoned cultivators astonished. Her cultivation base, once at the peak of Martial Grandmaster, surged forward, breaking through to Martial General Early Stage.
But she didn't stop there.
Her focus sharpened as more spiritual energy poured in, pushing her cultivation further—Martial General Middle Stage, then Late Stage. Finally, it reached the peak of Martial General. Only then did the flow of energy begin to slow, her aura stabilizing with a newfound strength.
A soft knock at the door broke the silence. "Young Miss, good morning," Ye Xiwu's cheerful voice called out as she entered.
Huang Nian opened her eyes slowly, her expression calm and indifferent. "Ye Xiwu, why are you here so early?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.
"Young Miss, I'm here to help you get ready for your visit to the Empress Dowager. Don't tell me you didn't know," Ye Xiwu said, her tone filled with concern.
"Nobody informed me," Huang Nian replied flatly, though a flicker of annoyance passed through her eyes.
Ye Xiwu frowned, anger flashing in her eyes. "The other young misses are treating you unfairly, especially the Third Miss. She did this on purpose, knowing full well that the Empress Dowager values punctuality above all else."
"Calm down, there's no need to be angry," Huang Nian said with a serene smile. "Just help me prepare. Fill the bathtub with warm water," she commanded, her voice gentle yet authoritative.
"Yes, Your Ladyship!" Ye Xiwu replied, quickly running out of the room to carry out the task.
---
One Hour Later
Ye Xiwu carefully assisted Huang Nian in preparing for her visit. She dressed Huang Nian in an exquisite white Hanfu, its delicate fabric flowing gracefully with every movement. The outfit was complemented by an elaborate princess-style hairstyle, adorned with intricate hairpins and ornaments. Ye Xiwu then fastened a pair of elegant white jade earrings to Huang Nian's ears and helped her slip into matching white shoes, each step precise and deliberate.
As the finishing touch, Ye Xiwu handed Huang Nian a polished bronze mirror. "Young Miss, please have a look," she said, her voice filled with anticipation.
Huang Nian took the mirror, her gaze assessing her reflection with a calm and discerning eye. "Not bad," she said, a subtle smile touching her lips.
"Not bad?" Ye Xiwu's eyes widened in admiration. "Young Miss, you are the most beautiful woman in the entire Longyuan Dynasty! Your grace and elegance surpass everyone else," she said with genuine admiration.
Huang Nian simply smiled and nodded. "Let's not delay. We should be on our way."
With that, Huang Nian and Ye Xiwu entered the waiting carriage. The vehicle, richly adorned and comfortable, began its journey toward the palace. As they traveled, the rhythmic clatter of the wheels on the cobblestone road was the only sound breaking the morning quiet.
"Young Miss," Ye Xiwu asked, her curiosity piqued, "what kind of gift do you plan to present to the Empress Dowager?"
Huang Nian's expression turned thoughtful. "It's not an extravagant gift, but it is something of practical use," she replied cryptically, her tone hinting at hidden intentions.
After a brief twenty-minute journey, the carriage approached the imposing palace gates. The grandeur of the palace loomed ahead, a symbol of both authority and opulence. As they passed through the gates, Huang Nian's gaze was steady and resolute. Today marked a significant step in her journey, and she was prepared to make her presence known.