Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Night Banquet (Part Six)

Helan Minyue was extraordinarily beautiful—an angelic face paired with a devilish figure. Every gesture, every glance brimmed with allure; a smile or a pout could steal one’s soul away. She was, beyond all doubt, a woman born to enchant, and whether one liked her or not, no one could deny this. At this moment, Helan Minyue raised her delicate hand, her slender fingers pinching a small spoon as she gently scooped from the large porcelain bowl, lifting a piece of silken tofu. Her radiant, youthful face overflowed with a sweet smile; her eyes sparkled like morning stars, their depths shimmering with hidden light. It was a vision of a beauty at her meal, a scene so devastating that the entire hall seemed momentarily petrified—every soul, young and old, male and female, mesmerized. Even Li Xian, whose mind was full of schemes, felt his heart tremble, nearly losing himself in her blossoming smile.

What a woman, formidable indeed! Li Xian, however, was a man of steadfast will. Though he lost himself for an instant, he quickly regained his composure, exhaling quietly. His gaze darted around, taking in the expressions of everyone present—each face bore the same dazed infatuation. Not even the Empress Wu was an exception, though Li Xian keenly noticed the subtle, icy edge hidden in her smile, which made his heart clench in alarm.

“Mother, please have a taste first.”

With a light motion, Helan Minyue brought the spoon to her lips. Her red lips parted, and she breathed softly upon the tofu, her breath fragrant as orchids. Just as everyone thought she would savor the delicacy herself, she shifted her hand, offering the spoon to Lady Han, calling out in a childlike, endearing voice.

“There’s no rush, my child. You eat first,” Lady Han replied. She had been watching her beloved daughter with a fond smile, not expecting Helan Minyue to offer her the first taste. She was momentarily taken aback before smiling affectionately, gently refusing.

“Mother, this is my act of filial piety. Please accept it,” Helan Minyue insisted, twisting her slender waist coquettishly, her voice sweet and cajoling. The display of girlish tenderness left everyone in the hall momentarily dazed, unable to resist a surge of yearning to be in Lady Han’s place, if only for a moment.

“Very well, very well, I’ll have it,” Lady Han relented, unable to refuse her daughter’s willfulness. With a happy smile, she took the spoon and swallowed the tofu in one mouthful.

“Sister, I want some too!”

Just as everyone was still basking in Helan Minyue’s charm, Helan Minzhi, seated beside her, craned his neck mischievously and, mimicking her tone, piped up in a playful whine.

“Get lost! There’s none for you!” Helan Minyue shot Helan Minzhi a glance, feigning annoyance as she protectively covered the large bowl with her hand. The deliberate show of possessiveness instantly set the hall ringing with laughter, and the once-ordinary banquet was suddenly brought to a lively peak.

The time had come—it was time to act! Although Li Xian laughed along with the others, his mind was racing. Now that Lady Han had swallowed the tofu, and Helan Minyue, distracted by her brother, had yet to taste the suspicious dish, this was the perfect moment to intervene. If he could stop Helan Minyue now, perhaps his plan would succeed: Lady Han would die, but Helan Minyue would live.

“Xian’er, come here to Mother.”

Just as Li Xian was about to make his move, Empress Wu, seated above, suddenly called to him with a gentle smile. Her tone was kind, yet brooked no refusal.

Damn it! At this summons, Li Xian immediately realized his opportunity was lost. While Empress Wu might not have seen through his intentions, her wariness was clear. His heart sank, a bitter helplessness spreading within him. Though he was unwilling, he dared not defy the empress. Forcing a cheerful expression, he quickly stood, walked to the head of the hall, and bowed deeply. “Mother, your son is here. Please instruct me.”

“My child, you’re sweating despite the cold. If you catch a chill, you’ll fall ill. Come, let Mother wipe your face,” Empress Wu said, drawing a white silk kerchief from her sleeve and beckoning him with a loving smile.

Sweating? It’s you who scared me! Helpless, Li Xian could only play along with the empress’s show of maternal affection. However unwilling, he had no reason to refuse. He could only feign embarrassment, walking to her side and letting her dab at his face with the kerchief, seething inwardly with frustration.

“Hmph!”

While Empress Wu performed her act of motherly love, Helan Minyue grew displeased. She believed the empress was deliberately showing off, highlighting that she, Helan Minyue, had no children. Annoyed, her lovely face clouded over. She vented her anger on the tofu, plunging the spoon fiercely into the bowl, scooping a large chunk and stuffing it into her cherry-red mouth, chewing noisily and making exaggerated slurping sounds.

“All right, put on your coat so you don’t catch cold. Off you go now,” said Empress Wu, unfazed by Helan Minyue’s sulking. She didn’t even spare her a glance, but simply patted Li Xian’s head affectionately, murmured a few words of concern, and sent him back to his seat.

That’s it then—it’s over. Empress Wu’s move was flawless. Unable to stop Helan Minyue from eating the mysterious tofu, Li Xian felt sour inside. But with things as they were, complaining was futile. All he could do now was hope for some chance to salvage his plans later. As for pitting Helan Minyue against the empress for favor, that plot was ruined. Resigned, Li Xian bowed and returned to his seat.

“Seventh Brother, you’re truly fortunate. In all the realm, only you are so dearly remembered by Mother,” Li Xian had scarcely sat down when Li Xian, seated beside him, smiled teasingly.

Fortunate? You idiot, can’t you see anything? After all I told you, you still missed your cue and got jealous instead of taking action—what a fool! Li Xian was irritated by his brother’s words, scolding him inwardly, but outwardly he only smiled good-naturedly, offering no explanation and turning his gaze across the hall.

Seeing that Li Xian made no reply, Li Xian’s face stiffened. As he was about to show annoyance, he suddenly recalled Li Xian’s speculation from the previous day. Alarm rose in his heart, his expression darkened, and he hastily raised his winecup to conceal his unease, drinking deeply.

“Oh, Third Uncle’s tofu is truly delicious. I am ashamed of my own efforts,” Helan Minyue exclaimed. Whether it was the tofu’s excellence or her determination to spite Empress Wu, no one could say. In mere moments, she had devoured the entire bowl, and still looked unsatisfied, running her pink tongue over her red lips. The sight was so enchanting that even Wu Weiliang, though her elder, was left flushed and speechless.

“If Madam enjoys it, there’s more in the kitchen. I’ll have some sent over, and I’ll provide the recipe for you as well. Should you wish to make it, you need only follow the instructions,” Wu Weiliang recovered after a dazed moment, laughing awkwardly and fawning in his reply.

“Thank you, Third Uncle. Your Majesty, may I accept this gift from my uncle?” Helan Minyue put on a pitiful expression, her large eyes blinking at the delighted Emperor Gaozong.

“Of course, if you like it, you may have it. Whenever you wish, the imperial kitchen will make it for you—I give my permission!” Gaozong, thoroughly charmed by Helan Minyue’s youthful beauty, was powerless to refuse.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Helan Minyue cared little for the so-called secret recipe; what she wanted was to show off Gaozong’s favor before everyone. Hearing his words, she was elated. Rising gracefully, she thrust out her chest and shot Empress Wu a sidelong glance before gliding to the center of the hall. She bowed low to Gaozong, her voice honeyed with gratitude.

“There’s no need for such ceremony, rise quickly,” Gaozong said, so beguiled by her that he leaned forward, hand outstretched, beaming.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s great kindness,” Helan Minyue replied, feeling triumphant for having outshone Empress Wu. She curtsied deeply and began to rise, but halfway through, her slender body suddenly trembled and stiffened. With a faint gasp, she collapsed to the floor, her pretty face turning deathly pale. Her mouth opened, and a torrent of dark blood spewed forth, splattering her white fox-fur robe with ghastly red stains. The sight was utterly shocking.

Everyone froze in stunned silence as Helan Minyue crumpled to the ground. The entire hall was struck dumb, not a single sound escaping anyone’s lips. A chilling, unnatural stillness settled over the grand chamber.