Chapter 19: An imperial encounter

Two days after the scandalous events at the Choi banquet, the capital was abuzz with rumors about Silla's unyielding triumph over Konga. But the talk didn’t stay limited to society's gossip; it soon reached the imperial palace itself, sparking curiosity among those in power.

Silla was seated in her workshop, meticulously refining the new formulation of her shop's popular facial cream. Her focus was unwavering until one of her maids rushed in, bowing deeply.

“Lady Silla,” the maid said, breathless, “His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived at the Imperial Beauty Shop. He is asking for you personally.”

Silla paused, her hand stilling over the porcelain jar she was filling. “The Crown Prince?” she repeated, her tone neutral, though her heart quickened.

“Yes, my lady,” the maid confirmed. “He entered with an escort but has insisted on privacy. He awaits you in the main parlor.”

Silla stood, smoothing her dress. Her instincts told her this was not merely a casual visit. She made her way to the parlor, her steps measured and deliberate.

The Imperial Beauty Shop’s Parlor

When she entered the parlor, she found Crown Prince Wei Cheng standing by one of the large windows, his hands clasped behind his back. He was dressed in a striking dark blue robe embroidered with golden dragons, his presence commanding but not overbearing. The warm light of the room illuminated his sharp features and regal bearing.

Hearing her approach, Wei Cheng turned. His gaze softened as it landed on her.

“Your Highness,” Silla greeted, bowing deeply. “It is an honor to have you here.”

“Lady Silla,” Wei Cheng said, his voice steady but tinged with warmth. “I trust you’ve been well after the… eventful banquet at the Choi estate.”

Silla straightened, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Your Highness is well-informed, as always.”

He chuckled lightly, gesturing for her to sit. “Please, join me. I’ve heard much about your shop and your talents. I felt it was time to see it for myself.”

They seated themselves across from one another, and a maid quickly brought tea.

Wei Cheng picked up his cup, his gaze never leaving hers. “You’ve become quite the enigma in the capital, Lady Silla. Your reputation precedes you not just for your beauty products, but for your wit and resolve. Few can withstand the schemes of someone like Konga and emerge unscathed, let alone victorious.”

Silla met his gaze evenly. “Your Highness, I only do what is necessary to protect what I hold dear. Nothing more.”

“And yet,” he said, leaning slightly forward, “you do it with such grace that even your enemies cannot help but admire you.”

There was a charged silence between them, broken only by the faint clinking of teacups. Silla’s pulse quickened under his scrutiny, but she maintained her composure.

“Your Highness flatters me,” she said, her tone light but cautious.

Wei Cheng smiled faintly. “It’s not flattery if it’s the truth.”

An Unexpected Offer

Their conversation shifted to lighter topics—her shop’s growing success, the unique ingredients she sourced, and the techniques she used. Wei Cheng listened intently, his interest genuine.

Finally, after a pause, he spoke again. “Your shop has caught the attention of many, including the imperial family. My mother, the Empress Dowager, has expressed interest in your creations. She wishes to commission an exclusive line of cosmetics for the imperial household.”

Silla’s eyes widened slightly. The Empress Dowager herself? Such an endorsement would elevate her business to unparalleled heights.

“I would be honored to serve the imperial family,” she replied, bowing her head.

Wei Cheng’s gaze softened. “I knew you would say that. But I also came here for another reason.”

Silla raised an eyebrow, curious.

The Crown Prince set down his teacup and leaned forward slightly, his expression serious yet unreadable. “You saved my life during the hunt, and now you continue to prove yourself as someone extraordinary. I’ve seen many in the capital who crave power or wealth, but you… you’re different. I admire that.”

His words lingered in the air, heavy with meaning.

Silla’s heart raced, but she forced herself to remain composed. “Your Highness honors me with such praise. But I am simply a humble woman trying to find her place in this world.”

Wei Cheng’s lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes were searching, as if trying to read her thoughts. “Humble you may be, but the heavens have a way of elevating those destined for greatness.”

The Return of Konga

As Wei Cheng prepared to leave, promising to send word about the Empress Dowager’s commission, a commotion erupted outside the shop.

Pei Tian entered hurriedly, bowing to the Crown Prince before addressing Silla. “Lady Silla, Konga has returned. She’s causing a scene at the front of the shop.”

Wei Cheng’s eyes darkened. “Konga?”

Silla sighed softly. “She doesn’t seem to know when to quit.”

“Shall I have the guards deal with her?” Pei Tian asked.

Wei Cheng raised a hand. “No. Let’s see what this woman wants.”

Silla stood, her composure unshaken. “As you wish, Your Highness.”

A Fool’s Gambit

At the front of the shop, Konga, Nian Dou, and Gou stood in the street, flanked by several attendants. Beside them was a striking man in his late twenties, dressed in fine robes. He exuded wealth but lacked the refined bearing of a noble.

Silla recognized him immediately—Lord Xu, the merchant Konga had ensnared as her new benefactor.

Konga’s voice was loud and shrill as she addressed the gathered crowd. “This woman has deceived you all! She pretends to be a paragon of virtue, but she is nothing more than a schemer who steals her success from others!”

The onlookers murmured, glancing between Konga and the shop.

Silla stepped forward, flanked by Pei Tian and Wei Cheng, who remained slightly behind her but radiated authority. The crowd parted to let her through.

“Konga,” Silla said evenly, her voice carrying over the noise, “you seem to have forgotten that your schemes against me have already been exposed. Do you wish to humiliate yourself further?”

Konga’s face twisted in anger. “You think you’ve won, but mark my words, Silla—you won’t have the last laugh!”

Before she could continue, Wei Cheng stepped forward, his presence silencing the crowd.

“Konga,” he said, his tone cold and commanding, “you stand before me, the Crown Prince of this empire, and dare to spread falsehoods? Have you learned nothing from your previous disgrace?”

Konga paled, her bravado crumbling under his glare. Lord Xu, sensing the shift in power, took a step back, his confidence faltering.

Wei Cheng continued, his voice cutting through the tension. “Lady Silla has the favor of the imperial family. If you wish to challenge her, you challenge us. I suggest you think carefully before acting further.”

Konga stammered, her words incoherent. Finally, she turned and fled, dragging her children and Lord Xu with her.

As the crowd dispersed, Wei Cheng turned to Silla, his expression softening. “It seems your enemies are persistent.”

“They are,” Silla replied, meeting his gaze. “But so am I.”

Wei Cheng smiled, a glimmer of admiration—and something deeper—in his eyes.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***