Chapter 873: The Young Empress (10)

Some of them deliberately presented their most attractive profile as she passed by.

Others gathered in the distance, composing poetry and exchanging verses, their voices clear and pleasing to the ear.

Every line was intended for her to hear.

There were also those painting in the Imperial Garden. From time to time, they would casually unfold their artwork, making sure it faced the path along which she would pass.

In reality, the corners of their eyes were all secretly watching her.

【Host, isn't this great?】 the System cackled. 【Don't they look exactly like women in an imperial harem competing for favor? Change the roles around and everyone is pretty much the same.】

Whether the Host enjoyed it or not, he certainly was.

Many women possessed talent as well, yet in the end they often relied on beauty to attract the ruler's attention.

These men, meanwhile, showcased their talents to display their charm.

Appearance was important, but secondary.

Tang Guo walked past expressionlessly, completely ignoring the consorts attempting to attract her attention.

Without even looking back, she could feel the disappointed gazes of an entire crowd following her departure.

In truth, she was laughing so hard inside that she nearly lost control.

To be honest, she was enjoying it just a tiny bit.

So this was what it looked like when men fought for favor.

Then she heard a sorrowful melody drifting through the air.

Without realizing it, she stopped.

Well...

She hadn't actually intended to stop.

But because she happened to be somewhat interested in the owner of that music, she decided to give him face.

Standing beside a cluster of flowers, she fixed her gaze upon the figure seated inside a pavilion and quietly listened.

The man seemed completely immersed in his music.

He apparently had not noticed the Empress standing nearby.

Only when the final note faded away and he looked up did he discover her presence.

A trace of alarm flashed across his face.

He hurriedly descended from the pavilion and bowed.

“Su Qing greets Your Majesty.”

“You may rise.”

Tang Guo casually waved her hand.

“A moment ago, I heard sorrow in your music. Did you recall something sad?”

Her tone softened slightly.

“Would you be willing to tell me about it?”

“It is merely a trivial matter.”

Su Qing lowered his head.

“It isn't worth troubling Your Majesty over.”

“Tell me.”

Tang Guo's lips curved upward.

“I am willing to listen.”

Su Qing kept his head lowered and therefore failed to notice the amusement hidden in her eyes.

There was even a trace of teasing there.

At that moment, Tang Guo suddenly sensed another unusual gaze.

Instinctively, she followed it.

By the lakeside stood a man.

Tall and straight as jade.

Even taller than most men.

His eyes were calm and indifferent as they rested upon her.

Within them lingered curiosity.

Confusion.

And thoughtful scrutiny.

Tang Guo smiled at him.

Jing Cheng had not expected that.

The Empress, who rarely revealed any emotion, had actually given him such a brilliant smile.

Yes.

It was genuinely radiant.

For a brief instant, his heart skipped a beat.

Tang Guo withdrew her smile and looked away from Jing Cheng.

Her attention returned to Su Qing.

“Su Qing,” she said, “tell me. What is this sorrowful matter? I wish to hear it.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Su Qing sighed softly.

“It is because I was thinking of my elder brother, who passed away many years ago.”

His expression dimmed.

“In a few days, it will be the anniversary of his death. Since I have entered the palace, I am unable to go and pay my respects. That is why I feel somewhat saddened.”

Tang Guo nearly laughed out loud.

What dead brother?

The truth was that Su Qing had learned Nanyun Chuan was being allowed to return home.

Unable to sit still, he had already made plans to leave the palace as well.

The two of them had discussed it beforehand.

“I see.”

Tang Guo furrowed her brows slightly.

“Then it is my oversight.”

After a moment, she continued,

“In that case, I grant you permission to leave the palace and pay respects to your brother. Two days should be enough, correct?”

“Your Majesty, this...”

Tang Guo had no interest in dragging the conversation out.

She interrupted him directly.

“My decisions are not withdrawn once spoken.”

She waved her hand.

“Make your preparations and choose a day to leave the palace.”

Su Qing froze briefly.

By the time he recovered, Tang Guo had already departed.

Only then did joy appear on his face.

He hurriedly expressed his gratitude before casting a deep look toward her retreating figure.

Then he turned and left.

After rounding a corner, Tang Guo saw Jing Cheng once more.

“Imperial Consort,” she asked with a smile, “what brings you here as well?”

The corner of Jing Cheng's mouth twitched.

Was this really their Empress?