365 Plans to Harm

The Empress couldn't help but stare at Xueyue in disbelief. She was usually skilled at hiding her emotions, but this time she was caught off-guard. 

The Crown Prince was truly going to let a foreigner voice her opinions? And at the Round Table of all places? For all they know, Li Xueyue's ideas could be shaped by the morals she grew up with in Wuyi. It wouldn't be wise to let a foreigner intervene in the discussions. 

"Are you certain of this?" the Empress questioned. "That the Crown Prince has given you such permission?"

Li Xueyue rapidly blinked. She slowly nodded her head. "If you're concerned that my opinions will have a bias from Wuyi, you can rest assured, Your Grace. My intentions lay with the greater good of the people of Hanjian."

The Empress patiently smiled in an attempt to hide her hesitation. "The men of the Round Table are brutal. Are you sure you're able to handle such scrutiny?"

Li Xueyue blinked again. Wasn't the Empress also going to contribute to the Round Table discussions? She had high hopes that someone like her wouldn't have any qualms handling the talks.

"I'm grateful for your concern, but there is no need for it," Li Xueyue stated.

"And how can we be so sure that you won't make plans to harm our country?" a lady-in-waiting spoke up as chimes of agreement resounded.

"Precisely. I wouldn't be surprised if you gave ideas that seemed like advice, but in reality, is a ploy to hurt Hanjian."

"There must be a reason why Wuyi doesn't let their women have the freedom to talk as they please."

Li Xueyue's lips twitched but she glanced to the side, ignoring the snide remarks. She noticed there were actually lily pads on the pond. She admired the small ripples in the water when a fish came close to the surface.

It was such a lovely day outside. Too bad it was ruined by squabbling birds.

Upon seeing her lack of response, the ladies-in-waiting hesitated before hounding in.

"Princess Li, it's rude to ignore those who speak to you…" 

"Precisely," one of them said and turned to the Empress. "Your Grace, I fear her silence comes from a guilty conscience. Princess Li truly has these plans of harming Hanjian."

The Empress eyed the quiet Princess. She could understand her son's favor towards this girl. The Crown Princess seemed weak but she was resilient. Even in the face of a storm, she maintained her peace.

"I have faith that it wouldn't be so easy to sway the members of the Round Table," the Empress finally said. 

The Empress was tired of hearing her ladies-in-waiting speak. For some reason, she missed the quiet, demure voice of the Crown Princess. 

But she understood the concerns of the ladies-in-waiting. It would be dangerous if an outsider infiltrated Hanjian, especially from the inside.

"I agree, Your Grace," a tiny voice finally said.

Never had Li Xueyue ever seen anyone so mesmerizing. This woman had the voice of a siren luring men to their deaths. It was mature, yet youthful. 

Her silky hair was loosely braided to the side, revealing how healthy and shiny it was. Flower hairpins were strategically placed, enhancing her ethereal face.

"The people that made up the Round Table are wise and skilled. We mustn't forget Your Grace is also part of the discussion. Nothing can ever get past Your Grace," she thoughtfully said.

Li Xueyue didn't even know what to say or how to react. She had planned out her next words, but suddenly, her mind went blank. It was difficult to concentrate when the other person was so enthralling.

Li Xueyue wouldn't be surprised if this woman held the title of 'The Beauty of Hanjian'. 

"Indeed, Lady Ge," the Empress stated with the fondest of smiles. "When did you arrive?"

Lady Ge bowed her head. "Just now, Your Grace. I recalled you enjoyed tea here, and well," she said and smiled. 

The Empress clasped her hands together. "You always brew the best teas."

Lady Ge blushed at the Empress's words. "Please, you humbled me, Your Grace."

The Empress let out a small laugh at Lady Ge's reply. Her attention landed upon the tray in the latter's hands.

"Let the ladies-in-waiting handle this," she said as one of them stepped forward to take the burden off of Lady Ge's hands.

All the while, Li Xueyue watched as Lady Ge pulled away.

"That's alright, Your Grace, I made the choice to bring this all the way here. I should carry the burden," Lady Ge mindfully said. She presented the ladies-in-waiting with a grateful smile.

"Kind as always," the Empress chuckled. She turned her head and suddenly recalled the Crown Princess standing there with them.

"Oh dear, it must be my old age, but I had forgotten to introduce both of you," the Empress stated.

She gestured to Lady Ge. "Princess Li, this is Lady Ge Beining. She is the daughter of my closest friend."

Li Xueyue tried to overcome her shock. Lady Ge Beining bowed her head and picked up one side of her dress before lowering herself. 

"It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Princess Li. I have heard so much about you," Lady Ge Beining said.

Li Xueyue smiled as she nodded. The only people she had to bow to were the Emperor and Empress.

"And since you're already here, Princess Li," the Empress said. "You should enjoy a cup of Lady Ge's tea. Her technique is unlike any other."

Li Xueyue wanted to deny the offer but it would be the second time she told the Empress "no." If she denied again, the Empress would suspect something. Thus, she forced herself to nod.

��Then, I must give it a try," Li Xueyue responded.

"I deeply apologize, Princess Li," Lady Ge Beining said with a sullen voice. "I only brought enough teacups for the Empress and ladies-in-waiting."

Li Xueyue was embarrassed. She should've let Lady Ge Beining offer first instead of seeming so eager. Whether this was intentional or not, she maintained her smile.

"That is alright," she said. "I have to finish writing down my suggestions."

"Oh, but." Lady Ge Beining suddenly perked up. "Princess Li, you can have my cup of tea, since this will be your first time trying it out."

Li Xueyue felt like Lady Ge Beining was talking in circles. But maybe it was just her paranoia talking. She brushed it off and shook her head. She preferred not to be here.

"Do not worry, Lady Ge, there is always next time," she stated.

Li Xueyue found it difficult to maintain her smile, especially when the Empress was staring her down. It was as if the Empress wanted to know what went on inside of her head. She didn't understand the reason for this. 

"I deeply apologize, Princess Li," Lady Ge Beining stated with a worried expression. "It is my fault for not coming prepared. Please, let me make amends."

Li Xueyue shook her head. "Do not fret over this."

"Oh but…" 

"It is fine, Lady Ge," the Empress reassured. She placed an understanding hand upon Lady Ge's shoulders.

"It was an unintentional mistake," she continued. "The Crown Princess has already pardoned you. You're always so stubborn."

Lady Ge shyly smiled to the ground. "Yes, Your Grace has always said it is a bad habit of mine."

The Empress laughed. "Yet, you never change. Dear me, what shall I do with you?"

Li Xueyue couldn't help but feel awkward. It was like she was intruding into a private conversation. She gestured for the maidservants to pack everything up.

"Until next time, Your Grace," Li Xueyue asserted. 

"Ah yes," the Empress said, almost as if she had forgotten they weren't alone. 

It was difficult to focus on something else, especially with Lady Ge present. Everyone was always captivated by a beautiful woman. Even the ladies-in-waiting didn't dare to interrupt. They kept their heads low and glanced away.

Li Xueyue found all of this to be odd. How was it that all of these women were suddenly quiet just by Lady Ge's presence? Were they all intimidated by her? Regardless of the reason, it wasn't her interest to continue being curious.

"I look forward to your performance in the Round Table discussion, Princess Li," the Empress said.

Li Xueyue nodded in response. She curtsied again and left without looking back. And for once, the ladies-in-waiting didn't watch her like a hawk.