Chapitre 48: Chapter 48: A Woman's Fragrance
In the side hall of the Jiang Imperial Palace, Zuo Xuanqi accompanied Han Wanxiang and her entourage as they waited for Emperor Jiang HuanYu.
Time passed, and half an hour went by with no sign of movement. Han Wanxiang maintained her composure, her expression calm beneath her veil as she elegantly sipped her tea, seemingly unbothered. However, the two elder women from the Harmony Sect who accompanied her were visibly less patient.
One of them, surnamed Li, finally broke the silence, her tone laced with dissatisfaction. "Zuo Chancellor, what exactly is keeping Jiang so occupied that he has left us waiting here for half an hour? Is this the Jiang Dynasty's idea of hospitality?"
The other elder let out a cold snort, chiming in. "The Harmony Sect may not have come in full force, but that does not give you the right to treat us with such disrespect. The Emperor should know better than to slight a sect of our standing."
Zuo Xuanqi forced a smile, trying to ease the tension. "Ladies, please remain patient and enjoy your tea. I will go check on His Majesty to see if he is on his way."
"Hmph!" Elder Li scoffed as Zuo Xuanqi exited. "This Jiang HuanYu seems to think quite highly of himself. Half an hour, what an affront! Does he truly consider himself the king of the Northern Domain already?"
"Let him play his games," Han Wanxiang interjected with a soft, melodic voice, her eyes twinkling with mystery. "I'm curious to see what kind of person this Emperor Jiang HuanYu really is."
Zuo Xuanqi returned after a brief absence, his expression tinged with embarrassment.
"Ladies, I must apologize. His Majesty is currently bathing and changing. He should be ready shortly," he said with a conciliatory tone.
The elders' faces darkened further.
"Bathing and changing?" Elder Li spat incredulously. "Does he need an hour for that? Perhaps he should be careful not to scrub away an entire layer of skin!"
Even Han Wanxiang's serene demeanor faltered slightly, her veiled face turning cold. She quietly set down her tea, the air in the room growing tense.
Another half hour passed, and the sound of footsteps finally broke the silence.
"Who dares to make such a commotion?" a clear and commanding voice called out as a figure clad in imperial dragon robes entered the hall. Emperor Jiang HuanYu had finally arrived.
"Your Majesty!" Zuo Xuanqi exclaimed, relief washing over him like a tide. It had taken considerable effort to calm the storm brewing in the room.
Jiang HuanYu's lips curved into a faint smile as he strode to the seat of honor. "I apologize for the delay. I was bathing and cleansing my imperial self, preparing for such esteemed guests. I trust you can forgive my tardiness."
Elder Li's expression remained dark. "Bathing for an hour to meet us? It seems His Majesty thinks quite highly of himself. Perhaps one should be cautious not to wash away too much dignity while indulging in such extravagance."
Ignoring her barbed remark, Jiang HuanYu seated himself gracefully, his demeanor calm and confident. "I value cleanliness and take great care in my daily ablutions. But today, knowing that the revered Saintess of the Harmony Sect was visiting, I was especially meticulous. After all, one must be presentable in the company of such distinguished guests."
His words, smooth as silk, redirected the focus onto Han Wanxiang herself, forcing the elders to rein in their indignation. Elder Li pursed her lips and sat back down with a cold snort.
Han Wanxiang gestured for the elders to calm down, her melodic voice cutting through the tension. "The Emperor's words are generous. It seems Your Majesty has a knack for disarming conflict."
Her captivating gaze rested on Jiang HuanYu as she spoke, her tone playful yet probing. "But I must confess, Your Majesty, as you passed me just now, I couldn't help but notice that the fragrance lingering on you wasn't that of bath oils or herbal scents."
"Oh?" Jiang HuanYu raised an eyebrow, feigning curiosity.
"It smelled more like…" Han Wanxiang's voice lowered slightly, her words dripping with allure. "…a woman's fragrance, perhaps mixed with the faintest hint of rouge?"
Her veiled lips curved into a knowing smile, her words laced with subtle insinuation.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone