The palace buzzed with excitement.
"His Majesty has ordered a selection banquet."
"Selection…?"
"For potential royal marriages."
The words spread like wildfire.
Xueying stood still as she heard them, her fingers tightening slightly.
Marriage.
The word felt distant.
Unreal.
"You will attend," her attendant said carefully.
Xueying nodded.
"I understand."
But inside—
Her heart felt strangely unsettled.
—
That evening, Zhao Meilin sat calmly in her chamber, sipping tea.
"She will be attending," a maid reported.
"Of course she will," Meilin replied lightly.
"She's the princess now."
Her lips curved slightly.
"Which makes this… even more interesting."
The maid hesitated. "Miss… what are you planning?"
Meilin's eyes flickered.
"Nothing too obvious," she said.
"After all… accidents happen all the time in the palace."
—
The day of the banquet arrived.
The grand hall was filled with nobles, officials, and powerful families.
Eyes everywhere.
Watching.
Judging.
Waiting.
Xueying stepped inside, dressed in pale blue silk.
Simple.
Elegant.
But not extravagant.
Whispers followed instantly.
"She dressed like that?"
"Too plain…"
"Does she even understand royal etiquette?"
Xueying kept walking.
Ignoring them.
Or trying to.
—
At the far end—
Gu Yichen stood among the noblemen.
His gaze found her almost immediately.
And stayed.
Something in his expression shifted.
Just slightly.
As if—
He noticed something others didn't.
—
"Princess Xueying."
A court lady approached, smiling politely.
"You will present a dance today."
Xueying froze.
"A… dance?"
"Yes," the lady replied smoothly. "All noble ladies will perform."
Her heart dropped.
"I was not informed—"
"It was decided this morning."
Too sudden.
Too convenient.
Her eyes flickered briefly—
Toward Zhao Meilin.
Who smiled.
Sweetly.
—