✿

Lu Hua's gaze flitted nervously around the opulent pavilion, where the empress and emperor's eyes bore down upon her with a mixture of curiosity and expectation. Unbeknownst to her, the emperor's intense stare held a peculiar intensity that made her skin prickle. "Lu Hua, here, drink some tea," the empress offered with an inviting smile.

Taking the delicate porcelain cup in her hands, Lu Hua took a hesitant sip, her senses immediately assaulted by the fragrant aroma. "It is for fertility," the empress announced with an air of pride. The words struck Lu Hua like a thunderclap, causing her to cough violently, nearly spilling the tea. "Fer-*cough* fertility?" she managed to stammer, her face a mask of shock.

"Indeed! It's a marvel of a tea, renowned for its effectiveness. Once the marriage is consummated, you will soon find yourself with child," the empress continued, her smile unwavering.

"Ahh...haha. That's good news..." Lu Hua replied awkwardly, her heart sinking at the implications of the empress's words.

Seated next to the empress, the emperor's penetrating gaze remained fixed on Lu Hua. He was astonished to see the striking resemblance she bore to Longlü, her mother. The mere thought of it sent a shiver through him. When Lu Hua caught his eye, she instinctively averted her gaze, feeling an inexplicable weight in the air. "Why have you come, girl?" he inquired, his voice commanding yet curious.

The empress, equally intrigued, added, "Do you need something, Lu Hua?"

"Erm...I've been thinking that since I will be residing here now, I would like to go out and explore the city," Lu Hua proposed, her voice laced with hope.

"What? That's nonsense! It is dangerous out there, especially for someone of your rank!" the emperor exclaimed, his tone firm and protective.

Lu Hua's face scrunched in disappointment. After the emperor's firm refusal, she retreated to her chambers, where her loyal attendants, Beihe and Fuquan, awaited her. "My lady, don't be disheartened. What the emperor said is true, but honestly, why didn't he just order the guards to escort you? It would be far safer that way," Beihe consoled.

Fuquan chimed in, elbowing Beihe playfully, "Bandits lurk in every shadow, but Lady Lu Hua, there's always another way."

---

"Sneak out?" Lu Hua echoed in disbelief, her heart racing. The trio was clad in simple attire, a careful balance between subtlety and style. "Sneak out like the second prince," she added.

"We are not going to a brothel, my lady," Fuquan retorted, a hint of indignation coloring his tone.

"If we get caught, we might face dire consequences," Lu Hua pointed out, her tone more serious.

"Worry not, Lady Lu Hua. The palace servants have yet to see your face; what is there to fear?" Beihe reassured her.

---

Moving swiftly through the shadowy corridors of the palace, the trio tread lightly, their breaths held in anticipation. Lu Hua's heart raced as they neared a small, hidden gate often used by servants. The moon hung high above, casting a silvery glow over the palace grounds. Fuquan had cleverly bribed the gatekeeper earlier, ensuring their clandestine exit would go unnoticed.

"Remember, my lady," Beihe whispered as they slipped through the gate, "if anyone asks, we are merely commoners visiting the city for the festival."

With a nod, Lu Hua's eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The city beyond the palace walls was a vibrant world she had only dreamt of-bustling markets, lively taverns, and colorful festivals. It was a tantalizing contrast to the rigid formality of palace life.

As they stepped into the streets, the city was alive with energy, despite the late hour. Lanterns illuminated every corner, casting a golden glow over the cobblestone paths. Vendors called out, enticing passersby with sweet pastries and intricate trinkets. The aroma of roasted meats and fragrant spices wafted through the air, making Lu Hua's stomach growl in eager anticipation.

"Let's get something to eat," Fuquan suggested, leading them to a bustling little restaurant tucked away from the main thoroughfare. They found a table in the back, where they could indulge in the lively atmosphere without drawing undue attention. Lu Hua eagerly ordered a bowl of noodles, her mouth watering at the thought of the rich broth and tender meat.

As they savored their meal, Lu Hua felt an exhilarating sense of freedom wash over her-a stark contrast to the weighty expectations of the empress and emperor, not to mention the strange encounter with the fertility tea. In this moment, she felt liberated from her troubles, lost in the vibrant energy of the city.

However, a sudden gasp from Beihe caught Lu Hua's attention. "Isn't that Rong Xianzong?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide in disbelief.

Lu Hua turned to see the man in question, her analytical instincts kicking in.

Name: Rong Xianzong Age: 18 Years Height: 180 cm Weight: 64 kg

Status Relationship: Lu Hua's Ex-husband

A cough escaped Lu Hua's lips, nearly choking her as Fuquan hurriedly slapped her back. "Ex-husband?" she asked, bewildered.

"Yes, my lady. He's your first ex-husband, and the instigator of the rumor that you were ugly," Beihe clarified, her tone laced with intrigue. "What is he doing here anyway? I thought he despised going out, unless..."

Just then, a petite girl dashed into the restaurant, scanning the room until her eyes locked onto Xianzong. Without hesitation, she rushed towards him, her face aglow with excitement.

"Brother Xianzong!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around his arm in a familiar embrace. Lu Hua noted the way he discreetly sighed before masking it with a smile.

"Daiyu," he greeted, a hint of warmth in his voice.

"Oh, I've missed you so much! It's been months!" the girl, Daiyu, enthused, her eyes sparkling with affection.

Lu Hua's attention drifted back to her meal, but Beihe and Fuquan exchanged bewildered glances. "My lady, aren't you jealous?" Beihe asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

Lu Hua, unfazed, slurped her noodles nonchalantly. "Jealous of what? They're siblings," she replied.

"No, my lady! They are cousins-third cousins!" Fuquan corrected, his tone urgent.

"Okay, and?" Lu Hua shrugged, her indifference palpable. "He can go date his great-grandfather if he wishes."

"Aiya! Don't say that! His great-grandfather is already dead," Beihe chimed in, her eyes wide.

"It's an arranged marriage, for goodness' sake! It's not like I'm in love with him," Lu Hua countered, her tone dismissive.

"Ah, you're right," Beihe conceded.

"Besides, look at him and then look at me," Lu Hua added, gesturing dramatically between herself and Rong Xianzong. "I'm gorgeous! He's not ugly, but I certainly deserve better!"

"You sound like a narcissist, Lady Lu Hua, but I must agree with you nonetheless," Fuquan remarked dryly.

Lu Hua raised an eyebrow, flipping her hair over her shoulder with an air of confidence. "Yes! He's a jerk, anyway. Why on earth would he divorce me during the wedding?"

"Mhm, it is quite outrageous," Beihe agreed. Suddenly, her eyes widened with realization. "Oh! What if...?" She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "He's secretly in love with his third cousin?"

"That's absurd! That would be incest!" Lu Hua replied, her tone dismissive.

"But they are third cousins! It's not a problem," Fuquan pointed out.

"Okay," Lu Hua replied.

"Oh, look! That girl is poking his cheek!" Beihe exclaimed, her voice barely contained.

"Shh! Be quiet!" Fuquan hissed, clamping a hand over her mouth.

Turning around, Lu Hua confirmed Beihe's observation: the girl was indeed playfully poking Rong Xianzong's cheek, a smile adorning her face as if she were utterly smitten.

Name: Lin Daiyu Age: 16 Years Height: 155 cm Weight: 46 kg

Info: Lin Daiyu is the daughter of a minister, harboring a deep affection for her third cousin, Rong Xianzong. Due to her family's financial woes brought on by her brothers and parents' excesses, marrying Rong Xianzong is seen as her only viable escape. She is fiercely protective of him.

Lu Hua then turned to look at Rong Xianzong.

Rong Xianzong

Info:

Rong Xianzong was born into a wealthy merchant family and is the heir to the family business. Unfortunately, the business are secretly slowly dying due to his father's addiction to gambling and buying expensive things. He believes that marry his third cousin, Lin Daiyu could restore his family wealth.

Lu Hua couldn't help but mentally chuckle at the absurdity of it all-both families teetering on the brink of financial ruin while entangled in the web of arranged marriages. The irony was almost too delicious to resist.