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墨書 Inktalez
Lin Yu stepped gracefully out of the Imperial Study, her movements light and elegant, reminiscent of a butterfly dancing in the air.
However, upon closer inspection, one could sense a slight heaviness in her steps, as if she bore an immense burden upon her shoulders.
Her delicately sculpted face displayed an intricate array of emotions, a blend of flavors akin to a spilled jar of mixed condiments—sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty all intertwined.
The Emperor's unabashed admiration for her felt like a gentle breeze on a summer day, softly brushing against her heart and bringing threads of joy and delight.
This sensation was akin to the first bloom of spring flowers—tender and beautiful, evoking a longing within her.
Yet, amidst this joy lingered subtle currents of unease and vigilance.
After all, the depths of the imperial harem were far from benevolent; it resembled a treacherous battlefield fraught with peril, more dangerous than any actual war zone.
Here, open conflicts and covert struggles were omnipresent; conspiracies emerged endlessly, and one misstep could lead to irretrievable ruin.
Navigating the harem was akin to walking on a tightrope suspended high above the ground; each step required utmost caution, with no room for complacency.
For even the slightest mistake could result in a plummet into an abyss, leading to a tragic end where one would be shattered beyond repair.
Thus, she understood that she must remain ever vigilant, fully alert and cautious with every move she made. Only then could she secure her footing in this unseen yet equally thrilling war without swords or bloodshed and carve out her own remarkable life.
Finally, Lin Yu returned to her own quarters—Zhui Xia Palace.
As soon as she crossed the threshold, she eagerly summoned the ever-silent Mysterious System.
“Hey, Inverse Light! Get out here right now!
What on earth is going on?”
Why would the Emperor suddenly summon me out of the blue?
What kind of mystery lies behind this?
What does he really want from me?
Lin Yu's crisp and urgent cry pierced through the silence of the palace, echoing in the vast hall. At this moment, her delicate face was filled with a mix of anxiety and confusion.
Just then, a calm and steady voice slowly resonated in her mind: "Host, please remain calm." It was the System speaking, its tone as composed as ever, as if everything was under control.
"After a comprehensive and precise analysis, this System has determined that the Emperor's summons may very well be due to... heh heh, developing a rather special sentiment towards you."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yu couldn't help but pause for a moment, pondering to herself: "Interesting? What could possibly be interesting about this? Don't go spouting nonsense and trying to trick me!" With that thought in mind, she retorted at the System in her mind.
However, the System seemed unfazed by Lin Yu's dissatisfaction and continued to explain in a teasing tone: "Oh dear Host, when I say 'interesting,' I naturally mean the subtle feelings between men and women! Don't you understand?" After saying this, the System let out a light laugh, as if finding the situation quite amusing.
Lin Yu nearly choked on the saliva she had just swallowed, unable to hold back a cough: "Cough cough... What nonsense are you talking about! How dare you say such things casually; it's simply ridiculous!" She widened her eyes, her face filled with indignation, clearly infuriated by the System's baseless speculation.
In the Emperor's harem filled with beautiful women—thousands of them—how could he possibly be interested in a mere consort like me? If he were interested, wouldn’t he have shown it long ago? Why wait until now? Are you malfunctioning?
"Host, you shouldn't say that. You're being too hard on yourself!
You should know that your charm is off the charts!
Your talent and wisdom shine like fireflies in the night—so bright and outstanding—that they have already captured the Emperor's attention," the System explained earnestly, its tone filled with affirmation for Lin Yu.
"You're the only one who can boast, and so exaggeratedly?" Lin Yu felt that this System was a bit too lofty and unreliable; after all, what it was saying sounded too far-fetched.
"Of course it's true! More real than pearls! Host, you must trust my judgment; I am the all-knowing, all-seeing Super System!" the System declared confidently.
Lin Yu fell silent for a moment, as if pondering some national affair. Then she spoke, "Alright, even if the Emperor really has some interest in me, so what? I don't want to get involved in the intrigues of the harem."
"Host, just because you don't want to get involved doesn't mean those troubles won't come looking for you! The struggles in the harem are like a tornado; if you don't seek it out, it will still come for you.
Instead of passively getting hit, why not take the initiative and strike first? Besides, you have a mission—you need to become a Consort!" the System said earnestly, like a seasoned general.
"Then what do you suggest I do? You can't expect me to tear my face off with those other consorts, right?" Lin Yu asked, not wanting to become someone who brawls in the streets.
"Host, you need to showcase your talents so that the Emperor appreciates and favors you even more.
This way, you can establish your footing in the harem and remain invincible! Understand?" The System guided her patiently, like a teacher imparting wisdom.
Lin Yu nodded, feeling that what the System said made sense. Which Emperor wouldn't favor a talented woman?
But today the Emperor praised me for my courage—ha!
She decided that in the days to come, she would perform well and strive to gain the Emperor's favor, carving out her own space in this harem!
A few days later, the palace was brightly lit and bustling with activity as a grand banquet was about to commence.
Naturally, Lin Yu had also dressed up carefully; she wore a light purple flowing dress adorned with exquisite butterfly patterns. As she walked, her skirt fluttered gracefully, resembling a fairy descending to earth.
Adorning her head was a hairpin set with sapphires, which swayed gently as she moved, producing a crisp and melodious sound.
With a touch of makeup on her face, she appeared even more elegant and captivating.
Today, she had come prepared, ready to shine at the banquet and dazzle everyone present!
As the banquet commenced, the grand hall was ablaze with light, resplendent in gold and brilliance.
The sounds of the Silk and Bamboo Ensemble filled the air, while the dancers moved gracefully, their skirts fluttering like celestial beings descending to earth.
The tables were laden with an array of delicacies and fine wines, their aromas wafting enticingly, making one’s mouth water.
Ministers clinked their cups, exchanging toasts and laughter, creating a lively atmosphere.
The entire banquet scene was one of harmony and joy, filled with song and dance.
Lin Yu sat quietly in her seat, as still as a chicken, resembling a well-behaved student.
As she savored the delicious food, she discreetly observed her surroundings, searching for the right moment.
She noticed that Emperor Jiang Chen's gaze often lingered on her, as if he were admiring a rare treasure.
Lin Yu felt a surge of joy; it seemed that the System was indeed correct— the emperor truly had an interest in her! This was certainly a good omen!
At that moment, the Consort stood up and suggested, “Your Majesty, since we have such a grand feast today, why not let the sisters showcase their talents to entertain you and Her Majesty?”
Upon hearing this, Lin Yu's eyes lit up; it was as if someone had offered her a pillow when she was sleepy! Her opportunity had arrived!
She elegantly rose to her feet and gracefully walked to the center of the hall. With a slight bow, she said, “This humble servant wishes to perform a dance for everyone. I hope Your Majesty and all present will not find it lacking.”
The other consorts looked on with disdain, thinking to themselves how much Consort Lin craved the spotlight.
Emperor Jiang Chen watched her with great interest, a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. "Oh? Consort Lin possesses such talents? Then I must enjoy it thoroughly."
Lin Yu smiled gently and said, "I hope to not embarrass myself." She nodded to the musicians nearby, signaling them to begin.
As the music played, a lively and beautiful melody filled the air.
Lin Yu danced gracefully to the rhythm, her movements light as a swallow and fluid as water. Each gesture was perfectly timed, exuding a sense of rhythm.
She skillfully blended the elegance of classical dance with the dynamism of modern styles, at times resembling a butterfly fluttering freely among flowers;
at times like a nimble fish frolicking in water;
and at times, she embodied a proud peacock displaying its magnificent feathers.
Every turn, every leap, every glance was filled with charm, captivating the audience's attention. One could not help but marvel at the original host's extraordinary talent.
The spectators were spellbound, mouths agape and eyes wide open, as if they had been struck dumb.
They had never witnessed such an innovative dance; it was truly unprecedented!
"Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!" Someone in the crowd started clapping, and soon thunderous applause echoed throughout the hall, lasting for quite some time.
Emperor Jiang Chen watched with delight, his expression filled with appreciation and admiration. "Wonderful! What an exceptional Consort Lin! This dance is simply magnificent!"
As the performance concluded, Lin Yu breathed lightly, beads of sweat forming on her forehead, making her appear even more radiant. She bowed gracefully to the emperor and the empress dowager before returning to her seat.
"Your Majesty, not only does Consort Lin dance beautifully, but she also plays the zither exceptionally well!" Another sharp-eyed consort stepped forward, excitement evident as if she had discovered a new world.
Since my sister loves to show off so much, I’ll indulge her this once. I initially thought of playing a trick on Lin Yu, but unexpectedly, I ended up giving her a chance to shine.
“Oh? Is that so? Then why doesn’t Consort Lin play another piece for me?” Emperor Jiang Chen said with great interest, as he was increasingly captivated by Lin Yu.
Lin Yu felt a surge of joy; this was truly an effortless opportunity! With a charming smile, she replied, “Since Your Majesty is so gracious, I shall not refuse.”
She slowly approached the Qin Tai and gently sat down, placing her fingers on the strings. Taking a deep breath, she began to play.
The melodious sounds of the zither echoed throughout the hall, like flowing streams over high mountains, like orchids in a secluded valley, filled with sorrow and longing. Each note seemed to come alive, dancing and swirling in the grand hall.
The music was clear like a mountain spring, tinkling softly; passionate like galloping horses, powerful and grand; and sweetly melodic like orioles singing among the green willows, pleasing to the ear.
The ministers present were entranced, as if they had entered an ethereal realm. One by one, they closed their eyes and swayed their heads, lost in the music.
Emperor Jiang Chen was equally mesmerized. With his eyes closed and a look of rapture on his face, it seemed as if he could see Lin Yu’s graceful figure dancing.
After a long while, the piece came to an end. The hall fell silent; one could hear a pin drop.
Suddenly, Emperor Jiang Chen led the applause, followed by thunderous clapping that was even more fervent and prolonged than before!
“Excellent! Excellent! Consort Lin is truly talented and proficient in all arts; you have truly impressed me!” Emperor Jiang Chen praised without reservation, his gaze towards Lin Yu filled with affection.
Lin Yu humbly smiled and said, “Your Majesty flatters me; I only have a superficial understanding.”
Yet inside her heart felt as sweet as honey, blooming with joy.
She knew she had successfully captured the Emperor’s attention and had taken a solid step forward in this imperial harem!
After the banquet concluded, Emperor Jiang Chen specifically retained Lin Yu and dismissed those around him.
He held Lin Yu's hand, and the sensation was so soft and delicate, it made his heart flutter.
He spoke softly, "Ah, Consort Lin, you have hidden yourself so well. Tonight has truly opened my eyes; I see you in a new light!"
Lin Yu's heart trembled, pounding incessantly. Was the Emperor about to... confess his feelings?
She lifted her head and stole a glance at him, only to find him gazing at her with deep affection, his eyes so gentle they seemed to glisten with warmth.
Suddenly, Emperor Jiang Chen pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly as if he wanted to meld her into himself. He said earnestly, "Consort Lin, have I not taken the time to truly see you for too long?"
Lin Yu's heart raced wildly, like a little deer thumping around inside her chest.
She never expected things to escalate so quickly; it was faster than riding a rocket!
Taking a deep breath, she tried to remain calm and composed. She knew that her life was about to embark on a new chapter, one filled with challenges and opportunities!
And all of this stemmed from that mysterious System, the one she both loved and hated.
She looked up at the sky, her eyes filled with anticipation and hope, along with a hint of confusion.
New challenges and a new life were about to begin! She, Lin Yu, was ready!
"Your Majesty, it's getting late; Chen Qie should return to the palace," Lin Yu said softly, breaking the intimate atmosphere.
Emperor Jiang Chen reluctantly released her, his eyes filled with reluctance. "Then... Consort Lin, please rest early. I... I will come to see you again another day."
"Chen Qie bids farewell to Your Majesty," Lin Yu curtsied gracefully, watching as the Emperor departed.
Once his figure disappeared from view, Lin Yu let out a long sigh of relief, feeling as if she had just fought a hard battle—exhausted in both body and spirit.
She turned and returned to her chamber, lying on the bed, but sleep eluded her.
Everything that had happened tonight felt like a dream, filling her with both excitement and unease.
She knew she had successfully caught the Emperor's attention, but the road ahead was long. She had to be more cautious and prudent to survive in this harem.
However, she, Lin Yu, was not someone easily defeated!
With the System by her side and her own talents, she believed she could carve out a space for herself in this harem!
She turned over, closed her eyes, and a slight smile curved her lips, revealing a confident grin.
The night was quiet. Moonlight streamed through the window, draping Lin Yu in a silvery veil.
She slept soundly, a hint of a smile still on her lips, as if she were dreaming a beautiful dream.
In that dream, she became the brightest star in the harem, showered with countless affections…
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