Chapter 7 Tale of Two Phoenixes

 FlamingoBees 

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Tale of Two Phoenixes 

 Chapter 7: 

 

When Liu Se and Mo Xiang arrived, they also noticed the difference in Chu Yu's demeanor. Cautious and apprehensive, they dared not get too close and kept a distance of about a foot, kneeling on either side of her. Liu Se never expected that as soon as they sat down, Chu Yu would immediately turn her head and stare intently at Mo Xiang, completely ignoring him.

Compared to Mo Xiang's delight, Liu Se was inwardly seething, though he dared not show it on his face. In past gatherings, he and Mo Xiang both served on either side of the princess. While Mo Xiang would compete for the princess's attention, Liu Se's bewitching beauty, surpassing Mo Xiang's, ensured he was never overlooked. But today was different… As Liu Se simmered with anger, Chu Yu continued to gaze at Mo Xiang. Previously amused by their contrasting red and green attire, she hadn't closely examined their appearances. Now, upon closer inspection, Chu Yu was inwardly awestruck. Mo Xiang's appearance was enchanting, with eyes brimming with a captivating light. His fragrance was alluring, his skin as flawless as fine jade, with no visible pores even at this close range. Such beauty was truly rare. However, she couldn't help but think, isn't he a bit too delicate? She almost felt like the roles were reversed, with herself as the man and the effeminate youth before her as a woman.

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Is this really what Princess Shanyin prefers? Chu Yu pondered. As her gaze swept across the other guests, she landed on Rong Zhi, realizing her assumptions might be wrong. Despite being among the male concubines, Rong Zhi's elegance and demeanor set him apart from Mo Xiang and Liu Se. The others in the room also varied greatly in temperament and appearance.

Their attitudes toward Chu Yu differed as well. Some, like Liu Se and Mo Xiang, were eager to please, while others were less enthusiastic. There were even those with stiff expressions and resistant demeanors, likely forced into their roles as concubines and unwilling to fully submit.

However, among them, the most unique was Rong Zhi. His demeanor was so calm and composed, serene and gentle, as if everything around him had nothing to do with him. He seemed to be walking alone, leisurely, in a tranquil grove.

"Princess," a soft, slightly resentful voice beside her brought Chu Yu's attention back to Liu Se. She turned her head and saw Liu Se holding up a glass cup, his eyes alluring and his lips delicate and inviting. "Princess, you have been cooped up in your room for days, which made Liu Se very worried. I was so anxious that I had no choice but to ask Rong Zhi to find you. I hope the princess won't blame me."

Upon closer inspection, Chu Yu realized that Liu Se's beauty surpassed Mo Xiang's. He was like the most vivid and lush spot of greenery in the springtime. His large eyes were mesmerizing, his thick eyelashes long and curved, and his lips were moist and bright. Liu Se's collar was slightly open, revealing a small area of smooth, white skin on his chest, with the shadowy lines of his inner garment hinting at a beautifully defined collarbone. His beauty was strikingly impactful.

Fortunately, Chu Yu had just spent some time observing Mo Xiang and had built up a bit of immunity, preventing her from losing composure on the spot. She steadied herself, raised an eyebrow, and casually asked, "So it was you who asked Rong Zhi to find me. Why didn't you come yourself?"

Liu Se was momentarily taken aback, then quickly smiled again. "Is the princess teasing Liu Se? Since you didn't allow us to see you, how could we dare intrude?" His tone suddenly became more plaintive. "It's unfair, princess. Rong Zhi can see you whenever he wants, but Liu Se has to endure the pain of longing and waiting."

Liu Se's gaze drifted past Chu Yu's shoulder, catching Mo Xiang's mocking smile. Their eyes met, and Mo Xiang disdainfully lifted his head, silently mouthing, "Don't think I don't know what you're up to. You just want the same privileges as Rong Zhi, don't you?" Mo Xiang and Liu Se had been at odds ever since they met, each understanding the other's intentions all too well. The moment Liu Se uttered those suggestive words, Mo Xiang knew exactly what scheme he was plotting.

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

Ignoring Mo Xiang, Liu Se flashed a sweet smile at Chu Yu, subtly demonstrating his defiance to Mo Xiang.

Chu Yu pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "You're quite right..." She paused mid-sentence, causing Liu Se's heart to race. He hadn't expected to gain the same privileges as Rong Zhi; he just wanted to use this as a pretext to gain some advantage. But now, Chu Yu's tone suggested she might be inclined to agree, making Liu Se nervously speculate that she might elevate his status to match Rong Zhi's.

Chu Yu paused for a moment, her lips curving into a playful smile, and continued, "You're quite right; I should indeed treat everyone equally." Just as Liu Se was preparing to express his heartfelt gratitude, he heard Chu Yu say lightly, "From now on, all of Rong Zhi's special privileges in the manor are revoked. That way, everyone will be on the same level."

Her words caused a ripple of reactions around the room.

Liu Se was extremely shocked and uneasy. He hadn't expected that his words would not only fail to gain him any benefit but would also result in Rong Zhi losing a privilege. While this might not affect Rong Zhi's standing in the manor, Liu Se feared that it might cause Rong Zhi to resent him.

Moreover, Rong Zhi was highly respected among many of the other male favorites in the manor. If he suffered because of Liu Se, it could lead to Liu Se being collectively ostracized by the others.

Liu Se was suddenly panicked, realizing that his move was not only unbeneficial but might also make him many enemies—truly a disastrous miscalculation.

In contrast, Mo Xiang was secretly pleased.

The reactions of those present varied: some looked at Chu Yu with indignation, some glared angrily at Liu Se, and a few couldn't help but show a bit of schadenfreude. Chu Yu lowered her eyes, a hint of a smile flashing in her gaze. With just a few words, she had caused a stir, like a stone thrown into water, creating waves of emotion. The sudden change revealed people's true feelings, allowing her to gauge their attitudes toward both the princess and Rong Zhi.

© translations belonging to  flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com. If you read this somewhere else instead of flamingobeestranslations.blogspot.com then the translations has been posted WITHOUT permission of translator.

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