Chapter 23: He Wants Tang Mi, Truly and Entirely!

As soon as the emperor spoke, everyone looked at Tang Mi with envy.

Tang Mi, however, did not appear overly surprised or delighted. She lifted her head with composure and dignity. “Your Majesty, this subject’s daughter wishes to choose her own marriage.”

Everyone present was stunned by Tang Mi’s wish, and some even looked at her with pity.

How foolish could this young lady be? The emperor was clearly offering her a favor. Even if she didn’t want wealth or rank, she could have requested to be betrothed to a prince or a noble! But instead, she made such an odd request?

Ye Junyu frowned.

Ye Chenxuan, on the other hand, stared silently at his wine cup, lost in thought.

The emperor hadn’t expected such a request either. He froze, then asked again, “This is truly your wish? You have no other desires?”

“I ask Your Majesty to grant me this,” Tang Mi replied, kneeling and bowing her head in a formal salute.

Everything else she could achieve on her own except for royal decrees, which she could not defy.

In her past life, she had been forcibly granted a marriage, which left her with no way out.

In this life, she would not allow others to dictate her fate. If she couldn’t find someone suitable, she would rather remain unmarried forever.

Seeing her so resolute, the emperor nodded. “Very well. I grant your request. From now on, you shall have full authority over your own marriage.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Tang Mi said gratefully, bowing once more.

“Enough. Let’s enjoy the feast!” the emperor said kindly, waving his sleeve at her.

Tang Mi gave a curtsy and stepped back.

The empress glanced at Tang Ying, who had been completely forgotten by the emperor, and quickly tried to smooth things over. “Second Miss Tang danced beautifully as well. She should be rewarded too.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Tang Ying said, suppressing the humiliation in her heart as she bowed to the empress.

After dismissing Tang Ying, the empress scanned the noble daughters below and her gaze settled on her own niece, Xueyou. “Xueyou, have you prepared something for us tonight?”

Xueyou stood and gave a graceful curtsy. “This subject’s daughter has prepared a dance.”

The empress raised her brows. “Very well. We are looking forward to it.”

As the musicians began playing, Xueyou started her elegant dance.

She was very beautiful distinct from Tang Ying’s seductive charm. Xueyou exuded strength and boldness.

Their dance styles were completely different. Tang Ying’s was soft and flowing, while Mo Xueyou’s was firm and powerful.

Watching her former rival, Tang Mi remained completely indifferent.

In her past life, she and Mo Xueyou had both married into Prince Yu’s manor. Tang Mi had been the main wife, while Mo Xueyou, despite being the prime minister’s legitimate daughter and the empress’s niece, was only a concubine. That alone showed the power of military might.

It was ironic on the night of the wedding in her past life, neither of them saw Ye Junyu. Perhaps he had been with Tang Ying that night instead.

In the end, both she and Mo Xueyou had lost. The only difference was that Mo Xueyou had the empress’s protection, so her fate had been slightly better.

While Tang Mi was lost in thought, Mo Xueyou’s dance was already coming to an end.

Earlier, when Tang Ying performed, all attention had been on Tang Mi’s zither playing. Now, with Mo Xueyou dancing, she inadvertently benefited from the lingering admiration for Tang Mi.

No one had paid much attention to Tang Ying’s dance anymore, and thus, Mo Xueyou faced no strong comparison.

“Wonderful!” the empress applauded first when the dance ended.

Everyone followed suit, clapping.

Tang Ying clenched her fists, her face dark as iron.

All this applause should have been hers, if not for that wretched Tang Mi!

“Xueyou’s performance was excellent,” the empress said to the emperor with a smile.

The emperor nodded in agreement. “Indeed. She shall be rewarded as well.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Aunt,” Mo Xueyou replied gracefully.

Several more noble ladies performed afterward. However, with both Tang Ying and Mo Xueyou having already danced, no one dared to dance again.

As for playing instruments Tang Mi’s performance had set the bar impossibly high. No one dared to embarrass themselves by attempting to match her. Her zither playing had been so deeply moving that the following poetry and paintings by the other ladies felt dull in comparison.

By the end of the banquet, the only thing that lingered in everyone’s minds was Tang Mi’s music.

An hour later, the banquet concluded. The emperor ordered the eunuchs, “Light the lanterns!”

At his command, palace maids and eunuchs entered in a stream, carrying all sorts of colorful lanterns.

Soon, the entire imperial garden was decorated with dazzling lights.

The tables were cleared, and the garden transformed into a grand lantern festival.

“All right, go enjoy the lanterns,” the emperor said before taking his leave.

The empress dowager, empress, and the palace concubines all followed suit.

As was customary, the emperor and empress did not participate in the lantern appreciation to help everyone feel more at ease.

With their departure, the atmosphere in the imperial garden immediately lightened.

“Wow, look at all the new lanterns this year! Big Sister, let’s go see!” Tang Ning said excitedly, pulling Tang Mi forward.

Madam Lin, worried for them, followed closely behind.

Tang Ying was about to follow when she noticed Ye Junyu giving her a subtle signal from not far away. She quickly turned and slipped away.

Looking around to ensure no one was watching, she secretly followed Ye Junyu.

As soon as they reached a secluded corner, he pulled her into a hidden spot.

Startled, Tang Ying began to explain in a low voice, “Your Highness, my plan was disrupted by Tang Mi. I’ll find another chance to”

“No need,” Ye Junyu interrupted coldly.

“What?” Tang Ying looked at him in disbelief, thinking she had misheard.

“The previous plan is canceled. No need to proceed,” Ye Junyu said, his mind filled with the image of Tang Mi’s breathtaking face. His desire flared up.

He had made up his mind, he wanted that woman. Not just for appearances. He truly wanted her.

Tang Ying’s heart raced. “Why?”

Ye Junyu narrowed his eyes. “This prince has a new plan. Later, find a way to lead her to the Lotus Pond and push her into the water.”

He didn’t say more, but Tang Ying immediately understood.

He intended to destroy Tang Mi’s reputation and claim her afterward with a clean image.

Tang Ying clenched her fists, eyes full of unwillingness.

Why had she done so much for him, only to be cast aside for a single glance at Tang Mi?

Seeing her expression, Ye Junyu frowned and warned, “I’ll say it again, do not carry out your previous plan.”

Then his tone softened. “Don’t worry. If you help me get Tang Mi, I will keep my promise to make you my concubine.”

Tang Ying masked the darkness in her eyes and smiled. “Rest assured, Your Highness. I will complete the task.”

A concubine’s position?

Wasn’t that what she wanted all along?

Once she secured that title, she could climb even higher.

As for Tang Mi, even if she became the princess consort, she would never be a match for her. Tang Ying could lift her up and she could drag her down with her own hands!

Seeing Tang Ying so compliant, Ye Junyu smiled with satisfaction.