Chapter 137: A Meeting of Minds
Lie Chang’an presented a dual-faced Buddha statue carved from gold and jade—one side gilded in gold, the other coated in jade—a painstakingly crafted masterpiece, exquisitely detailed and lifelike. As soon as it was placed in the hall, all the civil and military officials could not help but burst into admiration.
The Empress Dowager was naturally delighted. A devout worshiper of Buddha herself, she found this rare and exquisite dual-faced Buddha statue irresistible. It was evident that the giver had spared no effort.
The Empress Dowager cherished the gift, yet her regard for the giver was another matter entirely.
Casting her gaze downward, she considered Lie Chang’an. Compared to Zhou Siyuan, in terms of appearance, character, and talent, Lie Chang’an was actually superior. After all, not just anyone could lead troops into battle and return victorious with an army in tow.
Yet there was a crucial element missing.
The Empress Dowager sighed softly in her heart, recalling the Empress’s words about Lie Chang’an’s lingering attachments to his homeland. No matter how outstanding he was, she found it hard to warm to him.
Her cool demeanor was a stark contrast to the warmth she showed Zhou Siyuan. Everyone in the hall noticed, and silence fell like a veil, with no one daring to flatter or seek favor.
Upon witnessing this, Guli was filled with indignation. “What nonsense! The Grand Empress clearly likes it. This is blatant prejudice!”
Seeing the flicker of hurt in Lie Chang’an’s dark eyes, Guli’s heart ached for him.
What was wrong with the gold and jade dual-faced Buddha? It perfectly complemented her golden-foil and gold-threaded Buddhist scriptures!
This was real rapport! A true meeting of minds! A destined connection!
What kind of mere chance was it to have passed through Suoluo Town with that wretched Zhou Siyuan? She had journeyed to and from alongside Lie Chang’an!
The more Guli thought about it, the angrier she grew, and the more her heart ached for Lie Chang’an.
But Lie Chang’an himself only felt a slight sting of pain before quickly regaining composure. He was not surprised by the Empress Dowager’s reaction and understood the reasons behind it.
What truly pained him was Zhou Siyuan’s earlier response, the way he looked at her, and the bitter realization that Zhou Siyuan could openly, unabashedly declare his feelings for her without hesitation or restraint.
He could not.
Even a single glance in this hall had to be stolen in secret, fearful of discovery.
His hand, grasping the wine cup beneath the table, clenched slowly into a fist, veins bulging with dull ache. Yet his face remained calm, composed as a gentle breeze.
After the gift-giving came the singing and dancing, the drinking and revelry.
Lie Chang’an had no interest in such festivities. Burdened by his melancholy, he kept his head bowed, quietly nursing his drink. At that moment, he found himself oddly missing Qi Zhengfeng’s nagging chatter. Though usually irritating, it had a way of soothing his gloom.
Suddenly, a new melody filled the hall—soft, enchanting notes accompanied by the crisp jingling of ankle bells as a woman danced. Gasps of admiration rippled through the audience.
Lie Chang’an seemed to catch the words “Princess Danqing” and lifted his head involuntarily.
She had slipped out of the hall at some point and returned clad in a flowing gown of watery lotus blue. Delicate peonies embroidered in pale blue graced her sleeves, while silver threads traced wisps of cloud. The hem was densely adorned with azure sea and cloud patterns. Her bodice was a wide swath of pale yellow brocade, wrapping her slender form.
As she moved, the skirt fanned out gracefully. The haunting melody rose, and her cloud-like sleeves fluttered like wings, her slender waist twisting slowly as silken ribbons floated—she seemed a butterfly in a delicate dance.