"I dеlayеd аnd kерt Yоur Highness waiting. I hаd intеnded to rеturn after giving Маmа Zhаng а briеf exрlanation, but unexpесtedlу got hеld uр аlоng the wау. Тhе аltar tаble in the westеrn sidе hall сaught fire, and а large sеction оf thе оffеring tаblе wаs scorсhеd, neаrlу sеtting the whоle building аblаze. Thе рalаce has striсt regulations rеgаrding firе and сandles; evеn thе slightеst mishaр must bе rероrtеd, which inеvitаbly lеads tо a flurry оf troublе. I rushеd bаck tо thе раlace tо check—fortunatеly, it was nothing sеrious. A уoung раlaсe maid had knocked over a lamp while refilling the oil, but someone was nearby, so the fire didn’t spread..." Tong Huan spoke while glancing back, "That person just now—was that the Prince of Nanyuan?"
Wanwan gave an affirmative hum, her tone tinged with reproach. "If the altar in the hall caught fire, they could have sent someone to check it. Leaving me alone there nearly caused a disaster. Luckily, the Prince of Nanyuan arrived and rescued me, otherwise it would have been..."
She sighed, having walked some distance already. As they neared the palace gate, she turned to look back. Under the Golden Pavilion, the lights shone brilliantly, and that crimson figure remained there, vivid as a cinnabar seal stamped upon the scene.
She withdrew her gaze listlessly and asked Tong Huan, "When you went to the Palace of Heavenly Purity, did you see Empress Zhao?"
Tong Huan was taken aback. "Wasn’t Empress Zhao at the Golden Pavilion? Why did she send someone to summon Your Highness?"
Wanwan gave a cold, mocking laugh. "She set up a clever trap, secretly arranging for people to lie in wait there, plotting to use despicable means against me." She recounted how she had encountered Zhao Huanzhi and how the Prince of Nanyuan had rescued her, her voice filled with resentment. "I only thought her foolish, but it turns out she’s not just foolish—she’s utterly absurd! I cannot let this go; I must demand justice. If we quietly cover it up this time, what about next time?"
It was only natural to be angered by such disrespect, but upon calm reflection, the Princess Royal being insulted was not something worth publicizing. Tong Huan said, "Please remain calm for now. I understand your feelings—letting that Zhao scoundrel live is truly unbearable. But my thought is that we should not make a fuss for the time being. Rather than causing an uproar, it would be better to hand the matter over to Seal-holding Xiao for handling. Your Highness has surely heard of the Eastern Factory’s methods—they can find any pretext to deal with that beast legally. We only seek satisfaction; why go through the trouble of making a scene? There’s no need to let the palace gossips get wind of it and turn it into another topic of idle talk."
Mentioning Xiao Duo sent a chill through her heart. In the past, no matter what happened, he was the first person she thought of, as if he were a deity or a Buddha, specifically there to protect her. But now? When she needed him, he wasn’t there. He had someone far more important to him, and his heart was entirely devoted to that person—how could he possibly spare a thought for her?
In low spirits, she hung her head dejectedly. "Why trouble him? He’s probably busy."
But Tong Huan insisted, "This is no small matter. How can we simply let that villain go unpunished? Making it widely known isn’t good, but neither is letting him roam free. Tomorrow, summon Seal-holding Xiao to the Cultivating Virtue Palace. If Your Highness is unwilling to mention the matter again, I will speak on your behalf. No matter what, the Zhao family must face some punishment."
Gradually, they reached the edge of Celestial Street in front of the Palace of Heavenly Purity. She stopped, feeling somewhat weary. "Has Consort Bu returned?"
"When I delivered the message to Mama Zhang, she hadn’t yet returned. I don’t know about now. However, Consort Bu’s elder sister has also entered the palace, so I imagine the Consort will have to show herself eventually. She can’t simply leave her sister unattended."Wanwan found it strange. "Yin Lou's hometown is in Jiangnan, how did her sister come to the capital?"
Tong Huan replied, "Your Highness does not know, Consort Bu's sister is the newly taken concubine of the Prince of Nanyuan. She accompanied the Prince of Nanyuan into the palace this time to visit Consort Bu."
Wanwan was taken aback for a moment. "So there's this connection..."
The lunar eclipse had passed, and the world was clear once more. The bricks on the ground crisscrossed, showing cold, hard lines. She glanced toward the Qianqing Gate, where guests gathered in great numbers, naturally creating a lively scene. Yet the livelier it was, the more it troubled her heart. She raised her hand to rub her temples. "I have a terrible headache and don’t want to go anymore. Let’s return to Cultivating Virtue Palace."
Such a grand occasion would hardly miss one princess. Tong Huan agreed, "The small kitchen has prepared sweet soup, Your Highness’s favorite. Have a bowl later and rest. It was all my fault today for failing to take proper care of Your Highness. I deserve no forgiveness."
She slowly shook her head. "Many things are fated. It was meant to be my trial, and I cannot blame you."
Walking along Western First Long Street, the path was silent and deep. The moon, having reappeared, shone with an increasingly unstoppable brilliance. The palace had strict rules: once the gates were locked after curfew, they could not be reopened, so she rarely had the chance to walk at night. The vermilion walls, under the moonlight, still twisted in color, turning into a dim blue. Everything in sight glowed faintly, full of flavor yet also terrifying.
Perhaps she had caught a chill, for she fell ill upon returning, feeling dazed and burning with fever. She endured until dawn before speaking of it. Tong Huan hurriedly reported to the Directorate of Ceremonial, and Xiao Duo personally brought a physician to examine her. Lying on the canopy bed, she extended her hand outside the bed curtains, her wrist exposed to the air, feeling a bone-chilling cold.
The Imperial Physician’s diagnosis was as she expected. He prescribed two doses of medicine to induce sweating and advised her to rest more and avoid drafts, assuring her she would recover naturally. Lying there, she heard footsteps fade away beyond the curtains. Tong Huan invited Xiao Duo to the outer chamber and recounted in detail what had happened the previous night, concluding, "Although our princess is the Princess Royal, she receives little protection. If this matter is reported to the Empress Dowager, I don’t know how it will end. So I sought out Seal-holding Xiao, asking you to uphold justice for Her Highness and severely punish that audacious Councillor Zhao."
Wanwan closed her sore eyes, pulled the quilt higher, and covered her face. Being a princess was not as joyful as imagined. Her troubles were many, all bottled up inside, difficult to put into words.
The soles of his black boots lightly brushed the floor as he approached her bedside. After a long while, Xiao Duo finally spoke, "Please rest assured, Your Highness. I will certainly chop off that scoundrel’s claws to vent your anger. Tong Huan is right—this matter should not be spread. The more it becomes known, the harder it will be for me to act. Your Highness will see, I will also seek justice for you from Old Consort Zhao, ensuring you do not suffer this grievance in vain."
In truth, she had been furious at the time but had since calmed down. Yet upon hearing his comfort, she felt an inexplicable sorrow welling up and couldn’t help but cry.
She sobbed inside the bed curtains, while Xiao Duo stood helplessly outside. "I know this incident has deeply affected Your Highness, but fortunately, no harm was done. Please take heart."
Wanwan was not crying about that. She was merely fearful of loss. She had resolved to be strong and decided never to speak to him again, yet with just a few casual words from him, she naturally changed her mind.She lifted the bed curtain and called out, "Eunuch Official." He cupped his hands and looked at her—red eyes, red nose, set against a snow-white face, both pitiful and adorable.
He took half a step forward. "Your Highness, what are your orders? I am listening."
She parted her lips slightly, wanting very much to discuss the matter of the Pure Residence with him. But upon second thought, she feared it might put him in a difficult position. Besides, the other party was Yin Lou; exposing it would only make everyone uncomfortable, so it was better not to speak of it.
It truly was heartbreaking. She had finally made a good friend, only for that friend to steal the person she liked. What kind of situation was this! Wanwan was, after all, kind-hearted. She had never considered doing anything malicious. If they both harbored genuine feelings, then let them be together properly. However, if Second Brother found out she was siding with outsiders, he would probably be furious to death. Yet she felt that the emperor could have countless women, while Xiao Duo meeting someone suitable was far too rare. In any case, Second Brother was not a man of lasting affection, so giving up one love wouldn't be such a big deal.
He was awaiting her command, but she seemed to have nothing else to say... After a moment's thought, she shifted the topic. "The Prince of Nanyuan likely hasn't left the capital yet, has he? Prepare a food box for me and deliver it to his estate."
Xiao Duo understood—she was meticulous and courteous, accustomed to repaying even the slightest kindness with overwhelming generosity.
He replied, "Very well. I'll have Xiao Chunzi deliver it later, though I'm afraid the Prince of Nanyuan may not dare to eat it."
"Whether he eats it or not, my intention will have been conveyed. I heard his concubine is also in the capital. Will they be staying for a couple of days this time?"
Xiao Duo recalled the infatuated gaze from the imperial throne the previous night and let out a long sigh. "I suppose so. The Emperor, fearing Consort Duan might feel lonely, specifically asked the Prince of Nanyuan to stay in the capital for a while. The concubine may enter the palace without submitting a nameplate and has even been granted a small sedan chair for easy access."
A strange expression crossed Wanwan's face. "Such generous treatment is truly rare. What does that concubine look like? Does she resemble Yin Lou?"
Xiao Duo shook his head. "They are half-sisters from the same father but different mothers. They didn't get along even in the inner chambers and have never been close. It's merely a formality, but unexpectedly, the Emperor, in his boundless grace, has granted her permission to visit the palace frequently. As for her appearance, she is quite beautiful, likely taking after her mother."
Now Wanwan understood. It seemed her Second Brother's old habits were acting up again—the grass always looks greener on the other side. Seeing someone else's concubine had stirred unusual thoughts in him. However, as a young lady, it wasn't appropriate for her to say much, nor did she wish to inquire further. She nodded to show her understanding. "Don't forget to handle the matter I entrusted to you. I'm tired and will rest a while longer. You may go."
Xiao Duo bowed with clasped hands and retreated backward.
Upon returning to the Directorate of Ceremonial, he immediately ordered someone to prepare a food box, selecting a few exquisite pastries to be delivered to the Feudal Prince's mansion in Baoda Ward.
Cao Chun'ang was still muttering, "I think that southern barbarian is up to no good. Why is Godfather sending him food... Should I mix in some croton powder to cleanse his heart and liver?"
These pointless remarks earned him a sharp glare. Cao Chun'ang shrank his neck, stuck out his tongue, and hurriedly took the pass to leave the palace.The Feudal Prince's private residence in the capital was built modestly to avoid drawing attention, constructed in an ordinary style. The Prince of Nanyuan's mansion was a four-courtyard compound, not particularly grand in scale—almost comparable to the homes of wealthy commoners. What set this Feudal Prince apart from others was his business acumen and skill in maintaining appearances. Those who hadn't delved deeply would never see through the hidden ambitions behind his facade.
A gift arrived from the palace, though not bestowed by the Emperor himself, it was enough to inspire profound gratitude. The Prince of Nanyuan personally received it, holding a small box of pastries in his hands. Cao Chun'ang beamed with a smile: "This was sent by Princess Chang, who ordered this servant to deliver it to Your Highness. These are all Her Highness's favorite treats. She said that as there was no way to repay Your Highness for yesterday's matter, she could only offer this box of pastries as a token of her gratitude."
As humble as ever, he replied, "Please convey my message to Her Highness: Liangshi is deeply grateful for Princess Chang's kindness." He then turned and ordered someone to prepare a reward for Cao Chun'ang. "You've worked hard, Eunuch Cao. Please come inside and rest."
Cao Chun'ang waved his hands repeatedly. "I dare not trouble Your Highness. As a servant working in the palace, running this small errand is nothing. Please don't trouble yourself further, Your Highness. I still have duties to attend to and must take my leave." With that, he dashed out of the Princely Mansion. It was no joke—even when Consort Duan hadn't held a grudge against him, he had nearly lost his life at her hands. Now that he and his adoptive father were practically at odds, how could he dare stay for tea? That would be like courting death.
A servant below watched as the young eunuch ran out the door and stepped forward to take the food box, but was dismissed with a wave. It was just an ordinary object, yet he held it so carefully in his arms, looking almost peculiar. He knew it was excessive, but he couldn't help the joy in his heart. Carrying it into the Main Chamber, he placed it on the table and paced slowly around the Moon-shaped Table, thinking of her in the pavilion—the girl he had yearned for since his youth. Standing so close to her, seeing her fully as a young woman, after waiting over a decade, he had finally seen her grow up.
A Servant Girl opened the food box for him to inspect: seaweed rolls, milk skin cakes... packed in a plum-blossom lacquered box with five or six varieties, all colorful and suited to a girl's tastes. Outside food couldn't be eaten carelessly, so a silver needle was offered. He held it between his fingers, weighed it for a moment, then tossed it aside. He hadn't planned to eat any of it anyway—taking even one piece might ruin the completeness. It was better to leave it untouched for admiration.
Hurried footsteps sounded in the corridor, stopping at the door with a call of "Your Highness." He turned to see Yin Ge, dressed in dazzling finery, standing outside the threshold. "The Emperor has sent word," she said, "ordering me to enter the palace immediately."
He gave an indifferent hum. "Proceed as we discussed before coming. Once the matter is accomplished, I won't let the Bu family down."
Yin Ge acknowledged but lingered, reluctant to leave. "Aren't you afraid the world will mock you for this, Your Highness?"
"Mock me?" He gave a faint, wry smile. "Why should I be the one mocked? Shouldn't the world pity me instead?"
"After all, I was formally betrothed and welcomed into the mansion by Your Highness..."He stood there, his deep eyes devoid of warmth. "We each take what we need—no need for grand principles. My Southern Garden Palace provides you with a stepping stone into the Forbidden City. If your methods are skillful enough, it’s not impossible to ascend to the throne of Empress. It all depends on how you act."
Yin Ge still did not understand his intentions. "What exactly is the Prince’s purpose? If it’s merely to please the Emperor, you could have sent me directly into the palace."
He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her, then slowly shook his head in disappointment. "With just you alone, it’s far from enough." That was why he had to stake his own reputation. If this scheme succeeded, all the sacrifices would be worthwhile.
It was strange—he had schemed and calculated, all to fulfill a dream from his past. Because this dream held no malice, making a few adjustments brought him no sense of guilt.
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