Chapter 188: Miss Kou Looks Like Me

Chapter 188: Miss Kou Looks Like Me

At such a banquet, one shouldn’t dress too plainly. The girl, having removed her cloak, wore a honey-colored cross-collared jacket and a pomegranate-red skirt. As she lowered her head, a simple gold hairpin was visible between her hair bun, with two pearls of uneven length hanging from it.

Emperor Xingyuan, curious in his heart but maintaining a composed expression, said, “Rise, there’s no need for formalities.”

Xin You straightened up but still kept her head slightly bowed.

It was considered impolite to look directly at the emperor’s face, but at this moment, Emperor Xingyuan was somewhat dissatisfied with the rule.

He had come all this way, and yet all he could see was the top of her head. He could have had a palace maid bow in the palace for the same effect.

“Miss Kou, you donated fifty thousand taels to the disaster-stricken area, which deeply touched me. Miss Kou, please raise your head and feel at ease.”

The thick carpet on the palace floor had a small silk flower dropped by some palace maiden. It was right within Xin You’s lowered line of sight.

Upon hearing Emperor Xingyuan’s words, her heart raced, but her face remained calm as she slowly lifted her head.

Seeing Xin You’s appearance, Emperor Xingyuan was momentarily stunned.

That face was so familiar, especially the pair of long, large eyes, with thin eyelids and a slightly upturned tail, giving an inherent sense of distance.

Emperor Xingyuan felt a moment of confusion.

This girl bears an uncanny resemblance to me.

Xin You looked at Emperor Xingyuan, her eyes also reflected emotion.

She knew she bore some resemblance to Princess Zhaoyang and couldn’t help but wonder if there might be some similarity with this man as well.

But when they were face to face, the overwhelming resemblance born of blood instilled a deep sense of panic in her.

They looked too much alike.

Their eyes met, and the hall fell silent for a moment.

Those present sensed something odd about the atmosphere, but none dared to meet the emperor’s gaze. Most people obediently kept their eyes on the floor, and the few brave enough to sneak a glance from the corner of their eyes couldn’t see much.

This was why, despite the rumors that Miss Kou resembled Princess Zhaoyang, few had associated it with Emperor Xingyuan.

Emperor Xingyuan was the first to regain his composure, nodding as he said, “Miss Kou’s charitable act will be remembered by the people of Dingbei.”

“As a subject of Great Xia, it is my duty to do so,” Xin You replied.

The word “subject” stirred a feeling in Emperor Xingyuan’s heart. “I recall that Miss Kou is the niece of Duan Shaoqing from the Imperial Stud Department.”

Duan Shaoqing immediately stepped forward. “Your humble servant greets Your Majesty.”

“Rise, Duan Shaoqing,” said Emperor Xingyuan, who, as he looked at Duan Shaoqing, couldn’t help but examine him closely, but found no resemblance between the uncle and niece.

“Miss Kou’s father is—”

Duan Shaoqing hurriedly replied, “Your Majesty, my late brother-in-law, Kou Tianming, passed the imperial examination in the fifth year of the Xingyuan era and was transferred to be the prefect of Wanyang four years ago, but sadly, he passed away.”

“I remember him,” said Emperor Xingyuan, recalling Kou Tianming’s appearance. Although the memory was not vivid, there was a point of reference.

Miss Kou bore no resemblance to her father at all.

Emperor Xingyuan realized something was amiss, but the sense of closeness he felt toward the young girl persisted.

He had several children, but they all resembled their birth mothers. Seeing a young girl who bore such a resemblance to him, he couldn't help feeling a sense of affection, despite knowing they were unrelated.

If the setting had been more suitable, he might have even given the young girl a small stool and engaged in a casual conversation with her.

Emperor Xingyuan remained composed and let out a soft sigh, "Miss Kou’s outstanding qualities demonstrate the excellence of her upbringing. Her father’s premature death was a significant loss for Great Xia."

Duan Shaoqing smiled and nodded in agreement, secretly hoping Emperor Xingyuan would praise the Shaoqing Mansion.

Qingqing was still very young when she came to the Shaoqing Mansion. Could her upbringing have been possible without the contributions of the Shaoqing Mansion?

To his surprise, Emperor Xingyuan had no intention of praising the Shaoqing Mansion. His gaze returned to Xin You. "Miss Kou has a pure and benevolent heart, and she deserves a reward. I bestow upon her a jade ruyi and a pair of golden hairpins."

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd dared not look directly at the emperor but shifted their gazes to Xin You.

What a bargain! Five thousand taels of silver for so many imperial gifts!

Regret, a hundred times over.

Among those who regretted, He Qingxiao was not one of them.

Standing in an unobtrusive spot, he silently observed the emperor and easily detected the emperor’s unusual behavior.

Was it because of her appearance?

For now, it seemed that the emperor had a favorable impression of Miss Kou due to her resemblance, but this favor was too fragile compared to her secret.

Until now, He Qingxiao still couldn’t understand how Xin You had convinced Emperor Xingyuan to investigate the matters in Wanyang, but a voice in his heart urged him to trust her.

Emperor Xingyuan was aware that his presence made others feel constrained. Since he had satisfied his curiosity about meeting her, it was time to return to the palace.

"Make sure everyone is well entertained." It was then that Emperor Xingyuan spoke his first words to Prince Xiu since entering.

Prince Xiu respectfully acknowledged the command.

Emperor Xingyuan took one more glance at Xin You and walked out.

"Seeing off Your Majesty—" everyone exclaimed.

After this, many people headed straight for Xin You with their wine cups in hand.

At the right moment, Prince Xiu spoke up, "I offer a toast to everyone."

It was then that people realized this was a royal banquet, not just any ordinary drinking gathering.

"To Prince Xiu."

Xin You raised her cup to her lips, but her thoughts were still with the departing Emperor Xingyuan.

Prince Xiu’s gaze had been on her the whole time. He noticed her calm demeanor, almost numb, with eyes that revealed nothing.

After the banquet, the snow had not stopped. Prince Xiu walked through the snow to see off his guests, receiving sincere farewells.

Xin You also bid her farewell to Prince Xiu, "Thank you for your hospitality today, Prince Xiu."

"The roads are slippery due to the snow, Miss Kou. Please be careful." Prince Xiu gently advised.

Xin You performed a deep curtsey and turned towards the carriage waiting not far away.

Xiaolian walked beside her, holding a bamboo umbrella.

Prince Xiu watched the snowflakes fall on the distant blue umbrella, while the apricot-colored cloak behind the girl fluttered freely. For a moment, his feelings were hard to fathom.

He Qingxiao's heart sank.

Could it be that Prince Xiu had designs on Miss Kou——

This suspicion sent shivers down his spine.

He had no right to meddle in Miss Kou’s marriage affairs, but the idea of a potential relationship between Prince Xiu and Miss Kou left him uneasy.

Noticing He Qingxiao’s hesitation, Prince Xiu politely clasped his hands and said, "I have not been a good host today. I will invite you to drink again another day, Lord Marquis."

As he was not favored by Emperor Xingyuan, Prince Xiu always remained humble before the officials.

"Prince Xiu, you are too kind. It is I who should be thanking you, Your Highness." He Qingxiao replied with the usual pleasantries before taking his leave.

Carriages and sedan chairs gradually departed from He Garden, turning the bustling scene into desolation almost instantly.

"Lin Hu!"

"At your command, my lord."

Prince Xiu glanced back at He Garden and softly asked, "Doesn’t Father Emperor have a special fondness for Miss Kou?"

His words were barely audible, as if he were speaking to himself.

Back in the palace, Emperor Xingyuan changed his attire and similarly mentioned Miss Kou. "Sun Yan, what do you think when you see Miss Kou?"

Chief eunuch Sun Yan looked up, puzzled.

What was he supposed to think when he saw Miss Kou?

Seeing the Emperor’s serious expression, Sun Yan was momentarily unsure of the Emperor’s intentions and cautiously said, "Miss Kou has a noble appearance and a virtuous character; seeing her brings joy to one’s heart——"

Emperor Xingyuan frowned and interrupted Uncle Sun’s rambling. "Don’t you think Miss Kou bears a striking resemblance to me?"