With a sharp snap, something seemed to break inside Xie Yao’s mind. Instinctively, she pulled her hand back from the Empress’s grasp. Her lips trembled, and all the words she had prepared vanished at once.
The Empress did not fault her lapse in etiquette and simply continued. “The Prince and the Heir fought and died on the battlefield for Great Sheng. The Xiao family may be cold and ungrateful, but the imperial family is not without compassion. You are the only daughter of the Xie family. His Majesty and I would never stand by and watch you live all alone and without support.”
Xie Yao had already guessed before coming that the Empress intended to comfort her as the descendant of a loyal family. Yet she had never imagined that the “solution” the Empress spoke of would be this.
Not punishing Chancellor Xiao, not offering her some other form of compensation, but arranging another marriage for her. And not just any marriage, but one to an imperial prince.
The Empress’s words caught her completely off guard. Her engagement to Xiao Min was over, and now everyone in the capital avoided her. The Xie household was no longer what it once had been. She had thought she would simply devote herself to preserving the family estate. If she met someone she truly liked in the future, marriage would be fine. If not, she could live quite comfortably on her own. But she had never, in any of her considerations, imagined marrying into the imperial family.
Unconsciously, she clenched her hands. Looking up, she saw that the Empress was entirely serious. After a moment’s careful thought, she said, “Your Majesty, my reputation has already been greatly affected by the rumors circulating in the capital. How could I possibly drag the princes into this as well?”
“It is precisely because those rumors have affected you that I should choose an excellent match for you. Then no one would dare gossip anymore.”
The Empress smiled. “Among my sons, which do you think is the better choice?
“The Third Prince is thoughtful and considerate. The Fourth Prince is refined and elegant. As for the Sixth Prince, although his tongue can be sharp, he knows how to care for people. Whichever one catches your eye, just tell me frankly. I shall speak to His Majesty and have an imperial decree issued for the marriage…”
The Empress enthusiastically discussed the princes below, but Xie Yao’s mind was in complete turmoil. When she arrived, she was still the orphaned young woman everyone in the capital sought to avoid. How had it become, after merely entering the palace, that the imperial princes were hers to choose from? A faint sense of unease rose in her heart. She suspected that the imperial family was trying to find the best way to silence public speculation surrounding the matter.
Once again, she shook her head. “The princes are of imperial blood. I would not dare aspire so high.”
“You are the descendant of loyal subjects. What is there to speak of in terms of reaching above yourself?” the Empress replied warmly. “Yao’er is kind-hearted, well-read, and sensible. In fact, I would very much like to have you become part of my family.”
The Empress held her hand firmly, leaving no room for refusal. After speaking for quite some time and seeing no reaction from her, she frowned slightly. “None of them appeal to you?”
Xie Yao naturally dared not admit such a thing. At once, she lowered her head and knelt. “All of the princes are outstanding. I am deeply grateful for His Majesty’s and Your Majesty’s favor. However, my parents have only recently passed away. I am still overcome with grief and have no thoughts of marriage at present. Nor would I dare to aspire to a match with any of the princes.”
Her answer was tactful and complete. The Empress’s expression softened somewhat, and she patted her hand. “I know your parents’ passing has left you heartbroken. But surely, if their spirits are watching from heaven, they would wish to see you happy as well.”
Emotion flickered across Xie Yao’s face, and she replied gently, “While my parents were alive, I was never able to fully repay their care and devotion. Now that they are gone, I can only do my small part as a filial daughter. I ask that Your Majesty grant me this wish, and instead choose women of greater talent and virtue to become the princes’ consorts.”
Her words were firm. The Empress, recalling her friendship with Princess Consort Xie during her lifetime, sighed. “Since your heart is set on it, I should respect your wishes.”
With that, the matter was set aside. The Empress stopped bringing it up and instead chatted with her about other things. Only when a servant arrived to report that the Emperor was summoning the Empress did she finally allow Xie Yao to leave.
Xie Yao rose and bowed. She retreated step by step toward the door. Just as she reached it, the Empress suddenly called out: “If none of them suit your fancy, that is no matter. What do you think of the Crown Prince?”
The Crown Prince? A name surfaced faintly in Xie Yao’s mind.
Gu Changze, the Crown Prince. The only son of the late Empress. He excelled in both civil and military arts, mastering literature, strategy, horsemanship, archery, and statecraft. He was Grand Tutor Fu’s most prized student. By age twelve, he had already begun attending court with his imperial father and assisting with matters of governance.
He had personally traveled north to comfort disaster victims, living among the common people during their hardship. In times of national crisis, he had led troops into battle and forced invading enemies to retreat. Exceptionally talented and capable, he enjoyed both his imperial father’s trust and the people’s praise. There was no question that he was a worthy heir to the throne, the rightful Crown Prince of the realm.
However, such a heaven-favored son of destiny suffered a devastating setback three years earlier. During a military campaign, he was poisoned and his health was permanently damaged, causing him to fall abruptly from the pedestal on which he had stood. Now he spent his days recuperating in the Eastern Palace, rarely ever stepping outside.
The ordeal had also worn away his former sharpness and ambition, leaving him calm, detached, and gentle. Gone was the spirited young man he had once been.
When Xie Yao had first heard these stories from others, she too had sighed over the unpredictability of fate. Yet she had never actually met the Crown Prince. As a result, her attitude toward him was no different from her attitude toward the other princes. She offered several more tactful responses, and the Empress finally waved her hand and allowed her to leave.
Watching Xie Yao’s departing figure, the Empress frowned slightly. The Xiao family might be heartless, but the imperial family had to consider the bigger picture. The descendant of loyal subjects could not be left to suffer public ridicule for no reason.
The Emperor had already reprimanded Chancellor Xiao, yet he had no intention of forcing Xie Yao and Xiao Min back into what had become an ill-fated match. Originally, he had planned to choose a suitable young nobleman from among the marquis families for her. Somehow, however, someone had persuaded him otherwise, leading him to change his mind and consider selecting a husband from among his own sons instead, thereby demonstrating the imperial family’s boundless grace and favor.
After summoning the princes to the Qianqing Palace and asking for their opinions, none of them were willing. Given Xie Yao’s current circumstances, making her a principal consort would be somewhat difficult to justify. Yet if she were made a secondary consort, it would inevitably invite further gossip.
That was why the Empress’s conversation today also served as a way to test Xie Yao’s thoughts on the matter.
Fortunately, the imperial family had provided a solution that preserved everyone’s dignity. Xie Yao herself understood propriety and had firmly refused. If the matter were discussed later, no one could accuse the imperial family of being cold or unfeeling.
Meanwhile, Xie Yao walked slowly through the palace grounds, carefully sorting through the Empress’s words in her mind. The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that she had made the right choice. First, she had never wanted to enter the imperial palace. Second, the Empress’s offer might not have been entirely sincere to begin with.
If even Chancellor Xiao looked down on her current status, then the princes of the palace, many of whom relied on the support of their maternal families and political factions, would value her even less. What the court truly needed was simply a reasonable explanation and response to quiet public opinion.
“It rained this morning, and the ground is still slippery,” her maid reminded her. “Miss, please be careful.”
The lingering chill of early spring remained in the air. Even though the sun was out, it offered little warmth. Qingyu fussed over her with a steady stream of reminders, while Xie Yao nodded absentmindedly, her thoughts still occupied by her conversation with the Empress as she walked forward.
Just then, a blur flashed before her eyes. A black-and-white bundle suddenly leaped out from a nearby flowerbed and lunged straight toward her.
Everything happened too quickly. Qingyu only had time to raise a hand in defense before the black-and-white creature nimbly bounded past her and sprang directly into Xie Yao’s arms. “Ah! Miss, be careful!”
Caught completely off guard, Xie Yao staggered back two steps. Before she could even see what it was, the creature jumped out of her arms again and disappeared into the Imperial Garden grass.
It had only recently rained, and the paths were slippery. Frightened by the creature’s sudden appearance, Xie Yao nearly lost her footing in the confusion. Fortunately, Qingyu grabbed her in time.
However, the little thing had been splattered with mud and rainwater when it jumped onto her. In an instant, muddy stains were smeared all across her sleeve. A dark blotch immediately marred the pale blue cuff.
Still shaken, Xie Yao had only just steadied herself when she heard a shrill cry ring out: “Make way for the Crown Prince’s carriage! All bystanders, withdraw!”
At once, the palace maids and eunuchs outside the Imperial Garden dropped to their knees in waves.
Qingyu used a handkerchief to wipe muddy water from Xie Yao’s sleeve. Realizing what was happening, Xie Yao quickly pulled her along and knelt to one side as well.
The early-spring cobblestones still held a penetrating chill. Having only recently recovered from illness, Xie Yao’s slender frame shivered the moment her knees touched the ground.
The carriage and its attendants drew near and came to a stop.
Then a clear, cool, and gentle voice spoke from within: “Come here at once. Didn’t you see that you’ve frightened the young lady?”
Before Xie Yao could even lift her head, she saw the culprit who had dirtied her sleeve dart out from the flowerbeds and race toward the carriage. Only then did she realize what it was: a black-and-white cat.
“Miss Xie, are you hurt?” The curtain was lifted.
Hearing the voice, Xie Yao looked up and met the gaze of the man from whom it came.
The afternoon sunlight fell across his soft robe, illuminating his handsome, refined features. He stepped down slowly from the carriage, carrying the unique dignity and noble elegance that belonged only to one born of the imperial house. The hem of his robe stirred gently in the breeze. His eyes were warm, yet distant, like clear snow atop the clouds. Lofty and untouchable, graceful and striking, he possessed beauty second to none. Only the faint frailty lingering between his brows suggested the illness that had long plagued him.
This was the first time Xie Yao had seen the Crown Prince since he had retired to the Eastern Palace to recuperate. “Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”
As soon as the words left her lips, Gu Changze had already approached. His shadow fell over her, and a fair, slender hand held out a handkerchief. “Wipe it off.”
His cool, clean presence drew near. Instinctively, Xie Yao wanted to step back, but the hand before her remained unmoving. Left with little choice, she accepted the handkerchief.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
One of the palace attendants had cleaned the black-and-white cat, and now it was held in their arms. As Gu Changze handed over the handkerchief, his fingertips brushed against Xie Yao’s. Then he withdrew his hand and took the cat back, gently stroking its fur.
There was a hint of displeasure in his voice as he said, “How many times have I told you not to run around? Why won’t you ever listen?”
Naturally, the cat had no idea what he was saying. Even so, it seemed to sense that he was upset. It rubbed its head lightly against him to curry favor.
Xie Yao took the handkerchief and hurriedly wiped the mud from her sleeve, then lowered her head and knelt quietly once more.
Noticing her actions, Gu Changze’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Miss Xie,” he said gently, “please rise.”
“Was it frightened by her just now?”
“Not at all. Your Highness’s cat is very adorable.” Xie Yao replied softly, glancing at the cat in Gu Changze’s arms. He gently stroked the cat’s head. Curled comfortably against his chest, the cat narrowed its eyes in contentment. It was easy to tell that it was usually doted on and cared for exceedingly well.
“It is a bit mischievous. I went to the Qianqing Palace today to discuss state affairs and failed to keep an eye on it. I didn’t expect it to run off. Since it startled Miss Xie, I owe you an apology,” Gu Changze said with his usual refined courtesy.
“Your Highness is too gracious.”
“The afternoon sun is quite strong. What brings Miss Xie to the palace today?”
“Her Majesty the Empress summoned me.”
“Was there some matter to attend to?”
Xie Yao hesitated, unsure how to answer. It was her first time meeting the Crown Prince. Although she had often heard that he was gentle and cultivated, he was still the heir apparent of the empire. His tone was mild, yet it carried an almost imperceptible authority. She could not deceive the Crown Prince. But neither could she casually reveal the contents of her conversation with the Empress.
Weighing the two concerns, Xie Yao lowered her eyes obediently. “We only spoke of a few household matters and other ordinary subjects.”
Unease filled her heart. She worried the Empress might have already sounded out the Crown Prince, that he knew she was lying, that he might question her further in public, or even expose her on the spot.
Fortunately, Gu Changze merely replied with thoughtful consideration. “Though the afternoon sun is warm, Miss Xie has only recently recovered from illness. You should not remain standing outside for too long. I will have someone escort you home…”
Cough, cough. Before he could finish speaking, a gust of wind swept through. He immediately lowered his head and covered his mouth with a handkerchief as a fit of coughing overtook him.
Xie Yao had always heard the Crown Prince was in poor health, but this was the first time she had seen him start coughing from nothing more than a breeze.
“The wind is rather strong outside. Your Highness should return indoors soon and avoid catching a chill. I know the way back myself. Thank you for Your Highness’s kindness.”
Xie Yao took a subtle half-step backward, quietly avoiding the long umbrella that Gu Changze had extended toward her.
The Crown Prince was gentle by nature, considerate in every way, but Xie Yao still did not dare accept the umbrella.
Gu Changze merely nodded and did not press the matter further. He watched as she bowed and took her leave.
Even after Xie Yao had gone quite some distance, Gu Changze kept gazing steadily at her retreating figure. His long fingers stroked the white cat’s head again and again, almost as if rewarding it. After a moment, he lowered his eyes and smiled softly. The smile was as bright and graceful as a clear sky after rain, concealing the darkness hidden deep within his gaze. “Let’s go. To Qianqing Palace.”
Xie Yao returned to the manor, her thoughts tangled and restless. Seeing her troubled expression, Qingyu tried every way she could think of to comfort her. “Miss, please don’t think so much. You’ve only just recovered. If you fall ill again, you’ll have to drink that bitter medicine every day.”
“The weather’s been cold lately. I said you shouldn’t have made this trip in the first place. It’s all that Young Master Xiao’s fault. He’s got enough trouble of his own, yet he still ended up dragging you into it.”
“Miss, look. The magnolia trees in our estate have bloomed again this year. They’re blooming beautifully.”
“How about planting some lotus flowers by Jade Lake? When summer comes, I’ll make lotus seed soup for you.”
Gradually, Qingyu’s constant chatter eased Xie Yao’s worries, and she turned to look where the maid was pointing.
“My mother used to come here often to enjoy the cool air by the lake. Planting lotus flowers there would be nice.”
“And that pavilion over there. One day, I’ll brew some delicious peach blossom wine for you there. By late spring, a little wine won’t harm your health.”
Qingyu continued talking cheerfully. As the breeze drifted past, Xie Yao found herself imagining the future. If she were to remain in this manor alone from now on, perhaps she could gradually arrange every corner just the way she liked. Perhaps in the future, she might simply spend the rest of her life here. The thought brought a rare smile to her lips. Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly saw the estate steward hurrying toward them, his expression anxious.
“Miss! I’ve finally found you. Please come at once. An imperial eunuch has arrived and is waiting to deliver a decree.”
An imperial decree? A flicker of unease rose in Xie Yao’s heart, but she wasted no time and immediately headed for the main hall.
Only a handful of people remained in the Xie household these days. They were all kneeling below, holding their breath.
A bright yellow imperial edict was unrolled.
The eunuch raised his voice and proclaimed: “By the Mandate of Heaven: The daughter of the Xie household, Xie Yao, is possessed of virtuous character and exemplary conduct, blessed with wisdom and grace. Having personally inquired into her character, We are greatly pleased. Therefore, We hereby bestow her in marriage upon Our beloved son, Changze. She is to be invested as Crown Princess. The wedding shall take place on the first day of the third month. Respect this decree.”