Wаnwаn wаs а bit dumbfounded—was this thе Рrince оf Nanyuаn? Ноw wаs hе sо different frоm the rumors? Perhaps, hаving livеd deеp within thе раlаcе, thе infоrmаtiоn she rеceived wаsn’t еntirelу accurаte. Somе embellishеd, whilе оthеrs vilifiеd. Тhе Yuwen Clаn оcсuрiеd the mоst prоsрerous аnd fеrtile lаnd of Great Yе, making them a thоrn in thе sidе of thе imperial соurt аnd a tаrgеt оf imреаchmеnt bу othеr feudаl princеs. Sincе thеrе was nо еvidеnсe of him amаssing military power оr explоiting the pеoрlе, theу resorted to demonizing him in other ways. So sometimes, rumors couldn’t be fully trusted—hearing was not as reliable as seeing with one’s own eyes.
When officials from outside the palace entered, their name plaques had to be verified. Only when the person matched the plaque could they pass through the gate. The Directorate of Ceremonial sent an experienced old eunuch to receive them. Having served in the palace for decades, he could recognize every feudal prince and commander with his eyes closed, so there was no room for error. Wanwan stood nearby in attendance, holding an umbrella high above her. Flying raindrops splashed onto her shoulders. After just two steps, a eunuch in a ceremonial robe approached with a hunched back and bowed, as if greeting an old friend he hadn’t seen in years, filled with the joy of reunion.
"Your Highness! I spotted you from afar and thought it must be you—and indeed it is! Ah, it’s been seven years since we parted in the southern city. Back then, you were still the heir apparent. I have a good eye for people and knew you would achieve great things. Last time, the young lads went south to oversee silk production and said that Nanyuan under your rule was even more prosperous than during the old prince’s time. I was so envious hearing that, I wished I could go to Jiangnan to see you. It’s a pity my legs aren’t what they used to be—they were injured last year when a house collapsed, and I still can’t walk long distances... But seeing you today is just as good. I came especially to pay my respects. I hope you’ve been well, Your Highness."
Fortunately, the Prince of Nanyuan was patient. Tall in stature, he slightly bent down to accommodate the short, stout man. Seeing the other bow, he quickly offered a polite gesture of support. "I dare not accept such courtesy. I was young and reckless back then, and I am grateful for your guidance, Eunuch. In private, there’s no need to address me as ‘Your Highness’—just call me Liangshi. I haven’t had the chance to enter the capital all these years without the Emperor’s summons. I regret not being able to personally congratulate you on your new residence—I’ve been remiss."
The eunuch smiled like a chrysanthemum, waving his hand. "Not at all, not at all! The people you sent didn’t even stay for a cup of wine before leaving. If anyone has been remiss, it’s me, truly embarrassing. I don’t know if you’ll have time this time, but if Your Highness would honor me with a visit to my humble home, I’ll prepare a feast to properly entertain you."
The Prince of Nanyuan appeared gentle and composed, speaking softly, "We’ll see then—I’m afraid I may not have the time. The Emperor’s decree arrived mid-month, and from departure to arrival in the capital, it was barely half a month. The journey was rushed, and I didn’t have time to prepare properly. I hastily had someone bring two specialties from the south earlier, and I’ll have them sent to your residence later. Since you have an old leg injury, it’s perfect—that medicine works wonders for such ailments."
The eunuch thanked him profusely. "Ah, you still remember this minor injury of mine. Today is a busy time, so please proceed into the palace first, Your Highness. We’ll talk in detail when you have the chance."
Wanwan didn’t understand—in just a few exchanges, thousands of taels of silver had been settled. All she knew was that this Prince of Nanyuan was humble and polite, even to flattering old eunuchs. She had been single-mindedly curious about what the Xianbei people looked like and hadn’t expected to be the one serving him. Hearing his words just now, she thought his character seemed noble, which somewhat eased her earlier fears.She led him toward the Hall of Imperial Zenith. The light rain had dampened the green bricks on the ground, patch by patch, like the maritime maps hanging in her elder brother’s study. There were many eunuchs in the palace, and she didn’t know them all. She wasn’t even sure who the one who had just extorted her was, but she was very familiar with the paths between the front and rear palaces. Guiding him through the Central Right Gate, she imitated Wu Qi’s usual tone and kindly reminded him, “Watch your step, Your Highness. The bricks in the palace have been worn smooth, and the rain makes them slippery. Be careful not to stumble.”
The words slipped out without thinking, and she inwardly winced after saying them. In truth, once she escorted him there, she could slip away and return to the Cultivating Virtue Palace. But now she had spoken out of turn. If he responded, she wouldn’t even know how to reply.
As if fearing something would happen, it did. She heard his leisurely voice: “Originally, it was thirty zhang wide and fifteen zhang deep. Compared to now, it truly falls far short.”
Wanwan swallowed and did not reply. He paused briefly, perhaps thinking this little eunuch was ignorant, and deliberately turned to ask her, “In the sixth year of Longhua, a lightning strike set the hall ablaze. It’s said the craftsmen rebuilt the new hall within half a year?”
Wanwan was very nervous, not daring to look at him. She lowered her eyes to stare at her own toes and murmured a “yes.” “It took six months and nine days. The new structure is even grander than before, with eleven bays in width, five in depth, seventy-two large pillars, and four thousand seven hundred and eighteen golden bricks… Your Highness will see for yourself once you enter the hall.”
In truth, answering too thoroughly was also a mistake. He had only asked about the construction time, yet she had described every brick and pillar in such detail. After finishing, she regretted it and anxiously lifted her eyes, glancing at him with worry.
But strangely, he wasn’t angry. The corners of his mouth still held a smile, one she had never seen before—different from Director Xiao’s. Director Xiao’s charm lay in the spring-like warmth of his brows, while this man’s was broad, gentle, and elegant, like a clear breeze and bright moon reaching the depths of his eyes, making the golden halo around them even more distinct.
He walked slowly across the Celestial Street and let out a long, slow breath. “Is Director Cao still in charge of your Directorate of Ceremonial?”
Wanwan thought for a moment and said no. “Director Cao doesn’t handle much. Many decisions are made by Director Xiao. Director Xiao is the Grand Secretary Eunuch, and this year he also took on the role of Superintendent of the Eastern Factory. He’s sure to become the Seal Holder in the future.” Her tone carried a hint of unconscious pride.
He nodded and fell silent, walking forward with his hands clasped behind his back, his posture straight and upright like a pine or bamboo. Just looking at his figure, he truly resembled Xiao Duo. For a moment, Wanwan was lost in thought. Perhaps because of this vague similarity, she felt this man was not so unfamiliar after all.
She calmed herself, her steps light and her mood cheerful, not minding the effort of holding the umbrella. The fine rain swept across her face, cool and refreshing. She turned her head to wipe it on her shoulder, but suddenly a gust of wind blew. Unexpectedly, the Smoke Tree Umbrella was too heavy, and she couldn’t hold it steady. The handle tilted and struck heavily beside his ear. Startled, she saw his shocked face, the golden ring in his eyes flashing, deep and somewhat terrifying.
“I… I… I…” she stammered incoherently, “I didn’t mean to… Did it hurt Your Highness?”
His brows slowly furrowed as he examined her carefully. “You’re so reckless. It doesn’t matter to me, but I’m afraid those above will punish you.”Wanwan knew no one would dare punish her, but she didn’t want to draw attention, so she had to half-bow. “If you don’t report me, this matter will pass. Your Highness, this is my first time on duty, and I’m clumsy. Please be magnanimous and spare me!” After speaking, she noticed a flush spreading across his cheek near the ear and awkwardly gestured with her finger. “Here… does it hurt?”
Asking was pointless—since it was red, it must hurt. Thankfully, he was well-mannered and, as she suggested, didn’t report her or make a scene. However, he raised a hand to touch the spot, frowning slightly. “The Qi people excel in archery and horsemanship; a little bump like this is nothing. But I’ve heard rumors spreading that the Yuwen Clan are monsters, with bear-like faces, covered in fur, like yakshas.” He paused briefly, his gaze lightly sweeping over her face. “From your perspective, are these rumors true?”
Wanwan’s heart skipped another beat. “Who’s talking nonsense? How could Your Highness resemble a yaksha…” She vividly recalled her bold remarks in the bedchamber and, feeling guilty, couldn’t help but blush.
He seemed satisfied, the smile at the corner of his lips deepening as he turned away, adopting an aloof demeanor. “Do your duty well. If you fall into someone else’s hands, it won’t end well.”
“Yes, yes, yes,” she nodded and bowed, her attitude sincere. “Thank you, Your Highness, for not holding it against me. You are a good person and will surely receive good karma in the future.”
Just as she was rambling on with gratitude, someone behind her took her umbrella. Turning around, she saw Director Xiao. He didn’t even glance at her, smiling at the Prince of Nanyuan instead. “Earlier, arranging the banquet kept me so busy I couldn’t attend to you, Your Highness. Please forgive me. My subordinate was disrespectful and offended you. I’ll reprimand her severely later. Since Your Highness has arrived, I’ll take over from here.” He handed her the umbrella he had brought and said calmly, “Go back. It’s busy today; we’ll set this aside for now. I’ll speak with you tomorrow.”
Wanwan was terrified, her hair standing on end. Not daring to say another word, she took the umbrella, hugged it to her chest, and ran out of the Central Right Gate without looking back.
Outside, she was still catching her breath but came to an abrupt stop. Ignoring the sidelong glances of the Silk-clad Guards on duty, she clung to the doorframe and peered toward the Hall of Imperial Zenith.
From here to the banquet hall was far, and the red and white figures grew faint in the twilight. Ascending the Vermilion Steps from the side path, the white marble pillars obscured half their bodies. Lanterns had already been lit under the hall’s front corridor, and as they stepped into the warm glow, the two looked so similar—standing side by side, equally tall—that if not for their different faces, they could have been mistaken for brothers.
Wanwan straightened up, pondering. Her mind was foggy, like a maze—something seemed on the verge of surfacing but remained elusive.
“Why are you still here?” Xiao You, who had been waiting for her, popped out from a hidden corner. “Let’s go, hurry back before we get into trouble.” She nearly burst into tears, having encountered Director Xiao while wandering near the Hall of Imperial Zenith earlier. When he saw her, he looked ready to devour her alive. Under pressure, she had revealed her mistress’s identity—not out of disloyalty, but because facing that bone-crushing master from the Eastern Factory, she was so frightened she forgot her own name and answered whatever he asked.
Xiao You tugged at her, but Wanwan remained dazed. “I feel like I’ve seen this Prince of Nanyuan somewhere before.”"Never mind whether we've seen it or not, can we go back first?" Xiao You half-crouched down. "I'm finished this time. Please remember me, burn some paper money for me next Qingming Festival, then my devotion to you won't have been in vain."
Wanwan was dragged back to Cultivating Virtue Palace by her. Upon entering, they encountered Nanny Li. Wu Qi had been kneeling by the wall for quite some time, and upon seeing Wanwan, he couldn't help but wail: "Mistress, mistress, what did I tell you? I advised you not to go, but you wouldn't listen. This time, the Nurse Matron is going to send me to the Directorate of Ceremonial for punishment. Please save me quickly—if I go there, I'll lose my life!"
The wrinkles on Nanny Li's face were almost stretched flat with anger. Glaring, she held a ruler in her hand and struck Wu Qi's buttocks with it. "How dare you complain? It's your good fortune that Your Highness returned. If she had been even half a step later, and it had been reported to the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility, I wonder what would have become of you! Keep quiet. Even if you plead to the heavens, it won't help. A fine Your Highness, led astray by you lawless lot until she doesn't know which way is north. Look at this—wearing a eunuch's clothes, loitering at the West Flowery Gate. Where is the dignity of the imperial family? I am in charge of discipline here. If I cannot control you, it is my failure. Later, I will go to the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility with a bundle of thorns to accept punishment. If I deserve a whipping, I will endure it. But before I go, I must deal with you. If I leave you two troublemakers behind, who knows what greater disasters you'll cause in the future!"
The ruler pointed at Xiao You. "Kneel down." Her voice was so loud that even Wanwan was startled.
Xiao You immediately dropped to her knees, sobbing as she looked at Wanwan, not daring to breathe heavily.
Naturally, Wanwan couldn't let them take the blame for her. She pleaded softly, "Nurse Matron, please spare them. This time, it's not their fault. It was my own idea..."
Before Wanwan could finish, Nanny Li cut her off: "My dear mistress, which time when you've caused trouble haven't you said it was your own idea? If we keep indulging you like this, what will become of you in the future? You are pure and kind-hearted. Whatever wicked schemes they come up with, they drag you into them, and you foolishly take the blame for them. What do they rely on? They rely on your compassion for those around you, your unwillingness to let them suffer! Now look what's happened—servants no longer act like servants, daring to treat such a serious matter as a joke. What kind of place is that ahead? And who entered the palace today? If word gets out, what will become of Your Highness's reputation? I have no way to manage you anymore. I'll have to trouble the Directorate of Ceremonial instead. If they happen to hold me accountable as well, my old face will be utterly disgraced. Let them whip me as they please."
As Nanny Li continued her torrent of scolding, Wanwan hung her head, her nose tingling with emotion. In her heart, these Nurse Matrons were like invisible executioners. They severed her freedom and cut off her innate human nature. However, ancestral decrees had entrusted them with the discipline of imperial princes and princesses, granting them substantial authority. Even if she invoked her status, she was sometimes powerless. But no matter what, she had to restore some order. Even if it didn't work, at least it would serve as a warning."The Eunuch Official is already aware of this matter, Nurse Matron, no need to rush. Let him handle it tomorrow." She sniffled, turned, and settled into the armchair. "You two need not kneel any longer. Wu Qi, bring the meal. Xiao You, help me change clothes and wash my face." Her voice gradually softened as she muttered to herself, "The master wears a eunuch's clothes and no one helps change them, won't let the master eat, won't let the master wash up, and still talks about rules... What kind of rules are those!"
Nanny Li was left speechless, unable to regain her composure for a long while.
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