Volume 1, Chapter 19: An Exotic Beauty Enters the Eastern Palace

"This woman is named Isabelle, a descendant of the English nobility. She is highly skilled in music, song, and dance. To demonstrate our respect, she wishes to serve at Your Highness's side as a token of England's sincerity."

It was unexpected that Mahmoud spoke Chinese. It seemed the Court of State Ceremonials had intentionally spoken English rather than Chinese to make things difficult for the Great Tang.

Li Chengqian raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze calmly appraising Isabelle. She curtsied gracefully, her hands folded gently before her—a uniquely English gesture—as she spoke in a soft, melodic voice tinged with a foreign accent.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, Isabelle wishes to serve you. I hope you will accept our gesture."

As she spoke, though her eyes were filled with submissiveness, a hint of calculated allure flickered within them. She, too, spoke Chinese.

The corners of Li Chengqian’s mouth curled upward in a faint smile as he turned to Mahmoud. "I shall accept the envoy's sincerity, of course. However, I wonder if this kind gesture of yours has any ulterior motives?"

Mahmoud replied unhurriedly, "Your Highness is overthinking. We in England have always treated others with courtesy; this woman is merely here to show our friendship and help ease your worries."

Li Chengqian continued to smile, though the warmth did not reach his eyes. He said calmly, "In that case, I cannot refuse. You have gone to great trouble, Envoy."

Li Chengqian could not afford to refuse. To do so would allow the English to spread word far and wide that the Crown Prince of the Great Tang lacked proper etiquette.

A moment later, Isabelle performed a dance in the hall. Her movements were light, her long dress swirling like clouds, moving like a dragon emerging from the water. Amidst these graceful steps, Li Chengqian sensed something unusual. Her footing was too steady, and there was a subtle hint of latent strength in her movements. Observing more closely, he noted the faint calluses on her fingertips—clearly the result of long years spent gripping a sword or dagger.

Li Chengqian sneered inwardly. *A fine envoy of England indeed. To assassinate me, they are even willing to part with a trained warrior beauty. Unfortunately, since you have come, you are no longer in control of your fate.*

He sat calmly on his high throne, masking his thoughts, and watched Isabelle’s dance to the end.

When the dance concluded, Mahmoud stood and smiled. "Is Your Highness satisfied?"

Li Chengqian picked up his teacup, gently blew away the floating leaves, and said indifferently, "Indeed, it was quite good. Your country’s dance style is unique."

He then looked up, his gaze fixing directly on Mahmoud. "However, the strength displayed in this dance is likely beyond the reach of an ordinary dancer. I wonder, Envoy, how did you teach this dancer to possess both the art of dance and the art of combat?"

At these words, Mahmoud’s expression flickered, though he quickly returned to normal. He feigned confusion and said, "Why does Your Highness say so? Isabelle is but an ordinary woman; how could she possess martial skills?"

Li Chengqian smiled impassively. "Perhaps I am overthinking."

After delivering Isabelle, Mahmoud departed with an air of triumph. In the vast hall of the Eastern Palace, only Li Chengqian, Isabelle, and a few attendants remained. The night was deep, and the flickering candlelight cast a seductive charm over Isabelle’s exquisite, exotic features.

"Your Highness," Isabelle said softly, her tone as gentle as a folk song from the south, yet carrying the unique inflection of her native tongue. "May I pour you a cup of tea?"

Li Chengqian nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on her movements. Her hands were incredibly steady; even as she lifted the pot, the steam rising around it, her wrists did not tremble in the slightest—a clear sign of specialized training. This woman not only practiced martial arts but also the use of toxins.

Li Chengqian’s thoughts raced, but his expression remained unruffled. He took the cup, sipped it lightly, and said unhurriedly, "The envoy has come from afar; the journey must have been arduous. Since you have entered the Eastern Palace, I shall dispense with formality. You may relax."

Isabelle lowered her head, hands folded over her abdomen, and bowed. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."

Though calm on the surface, her heart rippled with surprise. It was rumored that the Crown Prince of the Great Tang, Li Chengqian, was a notorious and debauched man, but that did not seem to be the case at all.

Li Chengqian set down his cup, rose, and waved his hand. "It is late. You may go and rest. The rules of the Eastern Palace are strict; if you find yourself confused, ask the attendants for guidance."

Isabelle bowed and retreated, a trace of coldness hidden beneath her lowered eyes.

Li Chengqian went to his bedchamber. Just as he entered, Su Chan'er carefully folded the embroidery in her hands and set it aside. "I heard today that the beauty from England seems to have gained my husband's favor. Is this true?"

Li Chengqian paused for a moment, then chuckled softly. He walked over, took her hand, and led her to the side of the couch to sit. "Favor? Why would you say that, Chan'er?" His voice held a hint of playfulness. "She is merely a pawn delivered to my doorstep. I have my own plans."

Su Chan'er’s expression froze, then she lowered her head. "I am only worried that my husband might be distracted by outsiders."

Looking at the beauty before him, Li Chengqian could not help but smile; he reached out and pulled her into his arms. "You have shared both hardships and joys with me; do not be troubled by such petty people. I will protect you, and I will protect the Eastern Palace."

Su Chan'er smiled faintly, bowing her head. "I understand. You must be tired; let us rest early tonight."

As dawn broke, the Eastern Palace was silent. Li Chengqian awoke and opened his eyes to see Su Chan'er still asleep beside him. A tender smile touched his lips. He reached out to smooth her hair and whispered, "Chan'er, the day has dawned. It is time to rise."

Su Chan'er slowly opened her eyes and murmured, "You are up early today. Is there something on your mind?"

Just then, a maidservant pushed the door open quietly and, after bowing, reported, "Your Highnesses, breakfast is prepared."

Su Chan'er nodded and took Li Chengqian’s hand. "Let us eat together."

The two left the bedchamber and went to the main hall for their meal. The table was already spread with an array of exquisite morning dishes. The millet porridge was fragrant, the jade-dew pastries were translucent, and several dishes carried a rich, exotic flavor, quite different from the traditional breakfast of the Great Tang.

Su Chan'er’s gaze swept over the table. Seeing the foreign dishes, she asked the maidservant calmly, "Who prepared today's meal?"

The maidservant lowered her head and replied, "Replying to the Crown Princess, this morning's breakfast was prepared under the direct instructions of Miss Isabelle."

Upon hearing this, Su Chan'er’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, though she nodded with a smile. "Miss Isabelle is certainly attentive."

Though her words were calm, ripples of discontent stirred within her. As the Crown Princess of the Eastern Palace, it was her duty to arrange the meals. Now that an outsider had overstepped her bounds—even going to such lengths for a simple breakfast—how could she not be displeased?

But Su Chan'er showed nothing. She sat down slowly, her expression as normal as ever, though there was a deeper meaning in the look she cast upon the table. Her eyes drifted once more to the exotic dishes, and her delicate brows knit together slightly.