The Yuan Chun Hall was quite spacious, not only featuring the grand banquet hall but also several side chambers for changing clothes, washing up, staying overnight, or indulging in entertainment.

Inside one of the side chambers.

Behind a folding screen painted with a scene of heavenly maidens scattering flowers, Xiao Chan adjusted Miss Donggong's khazi skirt. The bodice of her outfit seemed deliberately tailored to be smaller and tighter, forcing most of the round softness to unwillingly spill out. At the thought of how melons reveal their seeds, Miss Donggong grew even more mortified, entirely without dignity, and on the verge of tears.

He already knows how big the melons are…

How could he possibly let her go now?

Dong Gong Ruoshu's cheeks were flushed bright red, a mix of shame, anger, and sorrow interwoven into her expression, which looked as if she were ready to poison herself to death.

Xiao Chan, seeing her distress, comforted her gently, "Miss, it's fine. You're going to marry the commander anyway, so it doesn't matter if he sees."

Dong Gong Ruoshu couldn't hold back at that, blurting out, "I can't truly consummate with him…"

"He's already seen…"

"That… that… Even if he's seen, it doesn't mean he can!" Miss Donggong retorted in a rush, "At worst… I'll look at him in return!"

Xiao Chan covered her mouth and chuckled softly, carefully helping Dong Gong Ruoshu adjust the spare skirt.

Dong Gong Ruoshu lowered her head. This khazi skirt still revealed half the "melons," but it fit considerably better now, noticeably looser and more comfortable.

Noticing this detail, she couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Xiao Chan… why does this skirt fit so perfectly?"

Before Xiao Chan could reply, a commanding voice imbued with authority echoed through the chamber.

"The previous skirt was deliberately made ill-fitting."

As Dong Gong Ruoshu peeked out from behind the folding screen, she saw the speaker. Adorned in a robe of phoenix and peony clouds embroidered with gold threads, hair styled in an elegant phoenix bun, jade hairpins shimmering with blue gemstone accents, and complemented with gold ornaments and floral accessories, the matronly splendor was unbearable to behold.

She looked around thirty-something, an age when noble families might already boast numerous offspring, yet the Empress Dowager's skin remained fair and delicate, her beauty unmatched. Gracefully, she entered the room, followed by her attendant, Su Xin, and another woman.

That woman wore her hair in a towering bun, yet her voluminous locks spilled thickly down her back despite the arrangement. Her jewelry was abundant but restrained, likely to avoid overshadowing the Empress Dowager. She wore ebony hairpins, jade floral hairpieces, and silver ornaments. It was none other than Dong Guifei.

Having changed into her outfit, Dong Gong Ruoshu stepped before the Empress Dowager, uncertain and direct in her inquiry:

"Your Majesty said… deliberately made ill-fitting. What does that mean?"

The Empress Dowager glanced briefly at the fullness comparable to Dong Gong Ruoshu's own, smiling faintly:

"If he doesn't see it for himself, how would he know your worth?"

This kind of man would pledge allegiance wherever benefits flowed.

Dong Gong Ruoshu's face flushed deep red. She knew the Empress Dowager had done this on purpose. Pressed by shame, she clamped her lips shut, unable to speak—whether out of fear or embarrassment.

The Empress Dowager observed her daughter-in-law with an appreciative gaze:

"Ruoshu, didn't you already agree to the marriage?"

"But this…"

Dong Gong Ruoshu dared not admit she merely intended to deceive him.

The Empress Dowager spoke softly yet firmly, "Bestowing this marriage upon you isn't a deprivation—it's a reward. He's young, and soon he'll be granted the title of marquis. Think about it: is there anyone more suitable as a husband?"

Dong Gong Ruoshu hesitated further and muttered, "But this, this… his people don't seem to like me."

In her panic, she grasped at an excuse.

"It's common for wives to be envied by the concubines."

"Not just concubines—there's also that… Lady Lin," Dong Gong Ruoshu grumbled.

"Her?" The Empress Dowager smirked, "She will help you."

Dong Gong Ruoshu was stunned. Hadn't she just quarreled with Lin Wanxiao moments ago?

So all this time… she's on my side?

The Empress Dowager detected the flicker of realization in her eyes and smiled softly, her tone gentle: "Have you considered? Why would a widow voluntarily bring herself here for my sake? Moreover, though he's a commander valued highly, why hasn't he exceeded his authority to accept her as a concubine? Never mind—the complexities of this matter are beyond your understanding."

Dong Gong Ruoshu bewilderedly nodded, then suddenly recalled the critical issue and blurted out:

"But… Your Majesty, I… I'm truly unsuitable. When I thought of marrying him, I believed he was an upright gentleman…"

Seeing the young lady still harbored thoughts of rejecting the marriage, the Empress Dowager's face hardened and her tone cooled: "The imperial edict has long been drafted—royal decrees are not to be trifled with."

Xiao Chan chimed in to support, "Exactly, exactly, Miss—you agreed so readily, didn't you?"

The young lady attempted another protest: "But…"

At this, the Empress Dowager spoke leisurely, "Wuyong Building was just sorted out after its chaos—a critical time for rebuilding and rejuvenation. Yet the lingering threat of collusion with demonic cults remains, and it could collapse at any moment."

Dong Gong Ruoshu was silenced. If Wuyong Building truly fell, she would lose any chance to stay in Great Yu.

Even with her master's Sword Intent, she dared not risk opposing the arrangement recklessly—especially since she technically had agreed to the marriage initially. Backing out now would leave her without justification.

The Empress Dowager, seeing her hesitation and targeting her soft spot, pressed on:

"So what if he's not an upright gentleman?

Men are easily swayed by pillow-side whispers. Before long, you'll change him. At worst, bear him a few children to tether his heart.

Ultimately, you've already agreed to this marriage, haven't you?"

Every sharp word struck deep, leaving Dong Gong Ruoshu's heart half-chilled. Indeed, when she considered it, wasn't it contradictory? To want someone virtuous who wouldn't touch her, yet coveting his magnificent Li Pearl. Was that even reasonable?

Half-resigned to her fate, Dong Gong Ruoshu decided to concede and muddle through for now, reluctantly nodding: "Then… then I'll try…"

Watching this unfold from the sidelines, Dong Guifei secretly laughed to herself.

Her presence at this private banquet was, naturally, orchestrated by the Empress Dowager, who intended for her and Lin Wanxiao to assist Dong Gong Ruoshu in drawing Chen Yi into the tender embrace of these three women.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.