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墨書 Inktalez
Lin Yu stepped gracefully out of the imperial study, her movements light and elegant, reminiscent of a butterfly dancing in the air.
However, a closer look revealed that her steps carried a hint of heaviness, as if she bore an immense weight upon her shoulders.
Her finely chiseled face displayed an intricate array of emotions, akin to a spilled jar of mixed flavors, with sweetness, bitterness, sourness, and saltiness intertwining.
The emperor's unabashed admiration for her felt like a gentle breeze on a summer day, softly brushing against her heart and bringing with it threads of joy and delight.
This sensation was like the first bloom of spring flowers—delicate and beautiful, evoking a deep yearning within her.
Yet amidst this joy lingered subtle currents of unease and vigilance.
After all, the palace was far from a benevolent place; it resembled a perilous battlefield fraught with hidden dangers.
Here, open conflicts and covert struggles were omnipresent, with schemes and plots emerging incessantly. A moment's inattention could lead to an irreversible downfall.
Navigating the palace was akin to walking on a tightrope suspended high above the ground; each step required utmost caution, with no room for complacency.
For any misstep could result in a catastrophic plunge into an abyss, leading to a tragic end where she would be shattered beyond repair.
Thus, she understood that she must remain perpetually alert, fully engaged, and tread carefully with every move she made. Only then could she establish her footing in this unseen yet thrilling war devoid of blades and bloodshed, carving out a vibrant life of her own.
Finally, Lin Yu returned to her own quarters—Zhui Xia Palace.
As soon as she stepped through the palace gates, she eagerly summoned the ever-silent mysterious system that had been lurking in the background.
“Hey, Inverse Light! Get out here right now!
What on earth is going on?”
Why would the emperor suddenly summon me?
What kind of mystery lies behind this?
What does he really want?
Lin Yu's clear and urgent cry pierced through the silence of the palace, echoing in the vast hall.
At this moment, her delicate face was filled with a mix of anxiety and confusion.
Just then, a calm and steady voice slowly resonated in her mind: "Host, please remain calm." It was the system speaking, its tone as composed as ever, as if everything was well within control.
"After a comprehensive and precise analysis, this system has determined that the emperor's summons may very well be due to... heh heh, developing a rather special sentiment towards you."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yu couldn't help but pause for a moment, silently pondering, "Interesting? What could possibly be interesting about this? Don't go spouting nonsense and trying to fool me!" With that thought, she retorted angrily at the system in her mind.
However, the system seemed unfazed by Lin Yu's dissatisfaction and continued to explain in a teasing tone: "Oh dear host of mine, when I say 'interesting,' I naturally refer to the subtle feelings between men and women! Don't you understand?" After saying this, the system let out a light chuckle, as if it found the situation quite amusing.
Lin Yu nearly choked on the saliva she had just swallowed and couldn't help but cough: "Cough cough... What are you talking about! How dare you say such things casually; it's simply absurd!" She widened her eyes in anger, clearly infuriated by the system's baseless speculation.
The emperor's harem was filled with countless beauties, thousands of charming women who could circle the earth three times. How could he possibly be interested in a mere consort like me? If he were interested, wouldn't he have shown it long ago? Why wait until now? Are you malfunctioning?
"Host, you can't say that. You're being too hard on yourself!
You should know that your charm is off the charts!
Your talent and wisdom shine like fireflies in the night—so bright and outstanding—that they have already captured the emperor's attention," the system explained earnestly, its tone filled with affirmation for Lin Yu.
"Is it just you who can boast, and so exaggeratedly?" Lin Yu felt that this system was a bit unreliable; after all, what it was saying sounded too far-fetched.
"Of course it's true! More real than pearls! Host, you must trust my judgment; I am an all-knowing, all-seeing super system!" the system declared confidently.
Lin Yu fell silent for a moment, as if pondering some significant national affair. Then she spoke, "Alright, even if the emperor really has some interest in me, so what? I don't want to get involved in the scheming and backstabbing of the harem."
"Host, just because you don't want to get involved doesn't mean those troubles won't come looking for you! The struggles of the harem are like a tornado; if you don't seek it out, it will still come for you. Rather than passively taking hits, it's better to take the initiative and strike first! Besides, you have a mission—you need to become a Consort," the system said earnestly, like a seasoned general.
"Then what do you suggest I do? You can't expect me to confront those consorts head-on," Lin Yu asked, not wanting to become someone who resorts to shouting and cursing.
"Host, you need to showcase your talents so that the emperor appreciates and favors you even more. Only then can you establish a foothold in the harem and remain invincible! Understand?" The system patiently guided her like a teacher giving earnest advice.
Lin Yu nodded, realizing that the system's words made sense. Which emperor wouldn't favor a talented woman?
But the emperor praised me for my courage today—ha!
She decided that in the coming days, she would make a concerted effort to present herself well and strive to earn the emperor's affection, aiming to carve out her own space in the harem!
A few days later, the palace was brightly lit and bustling with excitement as a grand banquet was about to commence.
Lin Yu naturally took great care in her appearance. She wore a light purple flowing dress adorned with exquisite butterfly patterns. As she walked, the hem of her skirt swayed gracefully, resembling a fairy descending from the heavens.
Adorning her head was a hairpin set with sapphires, which gently swayed as she moved, producing a crisp and melodious sound.
With a touch of makeup on her face, she appeared even more elegant and enchanting.
Today, she had come prepared, ready to shine at the banquet and dazzle everyone present!
As the banquet commenced, the grand hall was brightly lit and resplendent.
The sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air, while the dancers moved gracefully, their skirts flowing like celestial beings descending to earth.
The tables were laden with various delicacies and fine wines, their enticing aromas making one’s mouth water.
Ministers clinked their cups together, exchanging pleasantries and laughter, creating a lively atmosphere.
The entire banquet scene was truly a celebration of song and dance, radiating peace and harmony.
Lin Yu sat quietly in her seat, as still as a chicken, resembling a well-behaved student.
As she savored the delicious food, she discreetly observed her surroundings, searching for the right moment.
She noticed that Emperor Jiang Chen's gaze often lingered on her, as if he were admiring a rare treasure.
Lin Yu felt a surge of joy in her heart; it seemed the system was right after all— the emperor truly had an interest in her! This was indeed a good omen!
At that moment, the Consort stood up and proposed, “Your Majesty, since today is such a grand feast, why not let the ladies showcase their talents to entertain you and Her Majesty?”
Upon hearing this, Lin Yu's eyes lit up; it was like someone offering a pillow to a sleepy person! Her opportunity had arrived!
She gracefully stood up and walked to the center of the hall. With a slight bow, she said, “I am but an unworthy servant, willing to perform a dance for everyone. I hope Your Majesty and all present will not find it lacking.”
The other consorts were filled with disdain: how much did Consort Lin want to steal the spotlight?
Emperor Jiang Chen watched her with great interest, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Oh? Consort Lin has such talents? Then I must enjoy it thoroughly."
Lin Yu smiled gently and said, "I shall embarrass myself." She nodded to the musicians nearby, signaling them to begin.
As the music played, a lively and beautiful melody filled the air.
Lin Yu danced gracefully to the music, her movements as light as a swallow and as fluid as water. Each gesture was perfectly timed, brimming with rhythm.
She skillfully blended the elegance of classical dance with the dynamism of modern dance. At times, she resembled a butterfly fluttering freely among flowers; at other moments, she was like a nimble fish frolicking in water; and sometimes, she appeared as a proud peacock displaying its beautiful feathers.
Every turn, every leap, every glance was filled with charm, captivating everyone’s attention. It was undeniable that the original host's talent was simply extraordinary.
The audience was spellbound, mouths agape and eyes wide open, as if they had been struck mute.
They had never witnessed such an innovative dance before; it was truly unprecedented!
"Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!" Someone in the crowd led the applause, and soon thunderous clapping echoed throughout the hall, lasting for quite some time.
Emperor Jiang Chen watched with delight, his expression filled with appreciation and admiration. "Wonderful! What an exceptional Consort Lin! This dance is absolutely magnificent!"
As the performance concluded, Lin Yu breathed lightly, beads of sweat glistening on her forehead, enhancing her already radiant beauty. She bowed gracefully to the emperor and the empress dowager before returning to her seat.
"Your Majesty, not only does Consort Lin dance beautifully, but she also plays the zither exceptionally well!" Another sharp-eyed consort stepped forward, excitement evident as if she had discovered a new world.
Since my sister loves to show off so much, I’ll indulge her this time. I initially planned to pull a trick on Lin Yu, but unexpectedly, I ended up giving her a chance to shine.
“Oh? Is that so? Then why doesn’t Consort Lin play another piece for me?” Emperor Jiang Chen said with great interest, his curiosity about Lin Yu growing by the moment.
Lin Yu felt a surge of joy; this was truly an effortless opportunity! With a charming smile, she replied, “Since Your Majesty is so gracious, I shall not refuse.”
She gracefully approached the qin platform, gently seated herself, and placed her fingers on the strings. Taking a deep breath, she began to play.
The melodious sound of the qin echoed through the grand hall, like flowing rivers and high mountains, like orchids in a secluded valley, filled with both sorrow and longing. Each note seemed to come alive, dancing and swirling throughout the hall.
The music was clear as a mountain spring, tinkling softly; when passionate, it roared like galloping horses, filled with grandeur; and when gentle, it sang like a yellow oriole among the green willows, delightful to the ears.
The officials present were entranced, as if they had entered a fairyland. They closed their eyes, swaying their heads in rapture.
Emperor Jiang Chen was equally captivated. With his eyes shut, a look of ecstasy crossed his face as if he could see Lin Yu’s graceful figure dancing before him.
After a long while, the piece came to an end. The hall fell silent; one could hear a pin drop.
Suddenly, Emperor Jiang Chen led the applause, followed by thunderous clapping that was even more fervent and prolonged than before!
“Wonderful! Wonderful! Consort Lin is truly talented, excelling in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. You have truly impressed me!” Emperor Jiang Chen praised without reservation, his gaze towards Lin Yu filled with affection.
Lin Yu humbly smiled and said, “Your Majesty flatters me; I only have a superficial understanding.”
Yet inside her heart felt as sweet as honey, blooming with joy.
She knew she had successfully captured the Emperor's attention and taken a solid step forward in this imperial harem!
After the banquet concluded, Emperor Jiang Chen specifically kept Lin Yu behind and dismissed those around them.
He held Lin Yu's hand, and the sensation was so soft and slippery that it made his heart flutter.
He spoke gently, "Consort Lin, you have hidden yourself so well. Tonight has truly opened my eyes and given me a new perspective!"
Lin Yu's heart trembled, pounding incessantly. Was the Emperor about to... confess his feelings?
She lifted her gaze and stole a glance at him, only to find him looking at her with deep affection, his eyes so gentle they seemed to glisten with warmth.
Suddenly, Emperor Jiang Chen pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly as if he wanted to meld her into himself. He said earnestly, "Consort Lin, have I not taken the time to truly look at you for far too long?"
Lin Yu's heart raced wildly, like a little deer leaping around inside her chest.
She never expected things to escalate so quickly; it was faster than riding a rocket!
Taking a deep breath, she tried to maintain her composure and not lose her footing. She knew that her life was about to embark on a new chapter, one filled with challenges and opportunities!
And all of this stemmed from that magical system, the one she both loved and hated.
She looked up at the sky, her eyes filled with anticipation and hope, along with a hint of confusion.
New challenges and a new life were about to begin! She, Lin Yu, was ready!
"Your Majesty, it's getting late; I should return to the palace," Lin Yu said softly, breaking the intimate atmosphere.
Reluctantly, Emperor Jiang Chen released her, his eyes filled with reluctance. "Then... Consort Lin, rest early. I will come to see you another day."
"I humbly bid farewell to Your Majesty," Lin Yu said with a graceful bow as she watched him depart.
Once the Emperor's figure disappeared from view, Lin Yu let out a long sigh of relief, feeling as though she had just fought a hard battle—exhausted in both body and spirit.
She turned back to her chamber and lay on the bed, but sleep eluded her.
Everything that had happened tonight felt like a dream, filling her with both excitement and unease.
She knew she had successfully caught the Emperor's attention, but the road ahead was still long. She had to be more cautious and prudent to survive in this harem.
However, she, Lin Yu, was not so easily defeated!
With a system by her side and a wealth of talent, she believed she could carve out a space for herself in this harem!
She turned over, closed her eyes, and a faint smile curved her lips, revealing her confidence.
The night was quiet. Moonlight streamed through the window, draping Lin Yu in a silver veil.
She slept soundly, a smile lingering on her lips as if she were dreaming a beautiful dream.
In that dream, she became the most dazzling star in the harem, showered with countless affections…
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