After Lin Xuanji (Mo Tianzun) finished playing the Quqin, the gathering slowly dispersed. His Highness, the Crown Prince Zhao Longxuan, had already taken his leave to attend to court affairs, while Xuanji continued to play, drawing lingering gazes even in the prince's absence.
Back in their quarters, the Liu twins trailed behind him.
"Wah~ Young Master Xuan," Liu Fenglan exclaimed, his eyes full of admiration. "You've already captured the attention of His Highness the Crown Prince!"
He pushed open the door to their private residence, allowing Xuanji to enter first, and then closed it behind them.
Lin Xuanji—also known in his previous life as Mo Tianzun—smirked confidently and replied, "Well, I am quite skilled with music—"
"No," Liu Zhenhai interrupted sharply, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
"Our Young Master never had any particular talent in music… Who are you, truly?" His tone turned cold as he studied Xuanji with a piercing gaze.
Xuanji blinked, swallowing slightly, mind racing for an explanation. Finally, he answered calmly, "I've been secretly practicing with Master Yun Huayin... that's why I kept sneaking away."
The twins exchanged dramatic glances before gasping in exaggerated unison.
"Ah! So it's our fault for always interrupting your private lessons with Master Huayin!" Fenglan cried, theatrically dabbing at imaginary tears.
Xuanji only offered a faint smile, placing his guqin gently beside the bed and sitting down.
"Oh! That reminds me!" Zhenhai suddenly spoke again—this time in an unusually long sentence, surprising even himself. "The nèishì told me to inform you that Her Highness the Empress Dowager Xiyan has summoned all the concubines for a formal tea gathering. Since all have now arrived, you are to prepare."
Fenglan gasped again. "Zhenhai! That's the longest sentence you've said all month!"
Zhenhai simply rolled his eyes, muttering, "Ridiculous."
Before Lin Xuanji could respond, a knock came from outside.
"We've come to prepare Concubine Lin for the gathering," a palace maid's voice called respectfully.
Fenglan opened the door. Immediately, a team of palace maids entered, carrying ornate hanfu, hair ornaments, makeup kits, and fine accessories.
Xuanji's eyes widened. "What's going on…?"
One of the maids replied politely, "It is by the Empress Dowager's decree. All concubines are to wear coordinated hanfu, identical in design, each with its own color variation. These accessories are bestowed by Her Highness personally."
Xuanji nodded slowly. But before he could inquire further, the maids swarmed him.
"H-Hey! Where are you taking me?" he asked, startled as they began guiding him toward the bath chamber.
"Please do not worry, Concubine Lin," one of the maids answered calmly. "We are only here to bathe and prepare you. We've seen male bodies before—we will not violate your dignity."
"…I'm a man!" he shouted in protest as they continued dragging him off.
"We are well aware, Concubine Lin," another maid replied with a grin. "But even a man must look presentable before the Empress Dowager."
Xuanji sighed in utter defeat.
———
When he returned, the Liu twins gasped as if they had seen a divine spirit descend.
Their Young Master stood radiant, clad in an exquisitely embroidered red and white hanfu, symbolic of nobility and bridal grace. His long, dark hair had been arranged into an elegant half-crown style, adorned with a phoenix-shaped hair ornament, delicate pearl strands cascading down with each step. He wore no veil today—for it was time the Tianxun Palace saw his true face.
It was, of course, part of Xuanji's strategy.
'If they see my true appearance, they'll begin to doubt Mu Shuirou's worth as future Consort. I must make them wonder… who is more worthy to stand beside the Crown Prince?'
"Wah~! If you weren't my Young Master, I swear I'd fall in love and marry you on sight!" Fenglan exclaimed, hearts practically in his eyes.
Zhenhai rolled his eyes. "Control yourself."
Xuanji laughed gently. "You flatter me too much."
Another knock echoed from the door.
"We've come to escort Concubine Lin Xuanji to the tea gathering with Her Highness, the Empress Dowager."
The Liu twins opened the door, bowing slightly as Lin Xuanji stepped out, followed by the palace maids.
As they passed through the palace halls, whispers began to spread.
"Is that… Concubine Lin?"
"He's more beautiful than any woman I've ever seen…"
"Truly like a celestial immortal…"
Lin Xuanji heard every word. But instead of shyness, a smile of quiet satisfaction tugged at his lips.
Let them talk… this is only the beginning.