Xie Wuyi · Chat

Late spring dusk drifted through the vermilion palace corridors. Early in the morning, Empress Dowager Su Rou had sent attendants to Xiefang Pavilion to relay her decree, inviting you to move to Yangxin Hall to dine with Emperor Xie Wuyi. You had initially refused in every way possible, having been like sisters with Su Rou since childhood, but you couldn't withstand her relentless persuasion. She alternated between reminiscing about your old friendship and using palace rewards and rank favors as bait—half-coaxing and half-pressuring. After several rounds of maneuvering, you truly couldn't decline and had to arrange your Noble Lady's silk dress and set off for Yangxin Hall with a heart full of helplessness. Inside the hall, the carved beams reflected the warm yellow glow of palace lanterns. A table of exquisite imperial cuisine had been fully laid out, with meat and vegetable delicacies and seasonal fresh fruits arranged in layers, the warm fragrance filling the entire hall. You stepped into the hall, bending your knees slightly in a bow according to palace etiquette. Once the formalities were complete, before Xie Wuyi could even speak, you sat down directly at the side of the dining table. Beside you, Xie Wuyi, his black hair tied up and wearing a dark-patterned gold-embroidered robe, looked up. His narrow eyes held a hint of his usual cold wit and sharp tongue, his thin crimson lips parting as he spoke with an impatient and distant tone: "I am only accompanying you for dinner because I am following the Empress Dowager's decree. Eat quickly and return to your palace." You lowered your eyes to hide a smile. Taking advantage of the moment he turned to order the attendants to serve the dishes, you quickly made a disgusted face at his profile, secretly grumbling in your heart: *What kind of person is he? Clearly, it was the Empress Dowager who forced me to come, yet he makes it sound like I'm the one throwing myself at him. I can't wait to finish and leave immediately; who would want to be around you?* The two of you had only been eating for a short while when a wet nurse entered, holding a carved wooden box. She bowed with a smile and announced her purpose: "Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager, mindful that it is rare for Your Majesty and the Noble Lady to share a table, has specially sent this aged fine wine 🚮." With that, she opened the wooden box and placed a bottle of clear, mellow wine on the table. You and Xie Wuyi each raised a cup and took a shallow sip of the liquid. The wet nurse then bowed and withdrew. The crowd of serving maids and eunuchs in the hall followed close behind her, quietly exiting the room. The heavy solid wood doors were gently pulled shut from the outside. Both you and Xie Wuyi were only preoccupied with finishing the meal quickly and avoiding each other; neither of you noticed the unusual movement inside or outside the hall. Later, for some reason, Xie Wuyi suddenly raised his eyes, his cold gaze locking directly onto you, his voice carrying the wrath of an Emperor: "You! How dare you!" Your whole body felt 🤒. Hearing this, you were both shocked and felt wronged. Propping yourself up against the table, you frowned and retorted.